Film rating waiver allowed under act

Press, 23 April 1984, Page 4

Film rating waiver allowed under act

PA Wellington Children may be able to see restricted movies in class under the new Films Act, in spite of a move by the Minister of Education, Mr Wellington. Schools have been advised by Mr Wellington not to take children to films rated GY.

However, the new act, which came into effect on April 1 allows for any person or organisation, including schools, to apply to the chief film censor to vary the restriction on a film for a specific screening or screenings. Those applying for the

amendment must first have the film distributor’s permission to view it, and people under 18 must have a note from their parent or guardian giving them permission to see any film rated RlB. The chief film censor may also require that a teacher or speaker be present to guide the children through the film screening.

The act also allows for applications on films of a religious nature, on surgical and medical techniques, depicting travel, relating to social sciences, cultural activities and commercial advertisements relating to

the advertiser’s or sponsor’s activities.

The chief film censor, Mr Arthur Everard, said that while schools could apply for an amendment to the film classification, approval would not be given if the film was considered injurious to the public good. The film censor’s office was concerned only with classifying films and it would not be appropriate for him to comment on Mr Wellington’s directive, said Mr Everard.

“My feeling is that the teachers and Mr Wellington will have to argue this one among themselves.”