CENSORSHIP OF FILMS

Hokitika Guardian, 26 August 1929, Page 7

CENSORSHIP OF FILMS

DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT.

WELLINGTON, Aug. 22,

The examination and censorship of cinematograph films during the year which ended on March 81st last are interestingly dealt with in the annual report of the Department of Internal Affairs presented to Parliament today. The report says that during the year 1671 films, of a total length of 4,373,200 ft, were censored. Of this number 31 were rejected in the first instance, 147 were passed subject to excisions, and 65 were passed with recommendations for adult audiences only. One appeal against the censor’s decision was. lodged ’in December last, but up to the end of March the appellant had taken no further steps to have the films reviewed by the Board of Appeal.

The total number of .British Empire nims examined was 474, including features, topicals, gazettes, etc., and the total length was 828,250 feet. Of this total 61 films were produced in New Zealand, representing 69,830 ft. Feature films—those exceeding 5000 ft in length—totalled 448, while the remaining 1223 films comprised topicals, scenics, comedies, industrials, etc., rarely exceeding 20C0ft each. Of the feature films 64 were produced in the British Empire, 361 in the United States of America, 19 in Germany, 2 in Italy, and 2 in France. The Cinematograph Films Act, 1928, came into operation on January Ist, 1j29, and 787 films have been registered under the provisions of the Act intended to escure a 1\ per cent, renters’ quota of British films for 1929. These registration figures include a certain proportion of films Which were examined by the censor, but not released for public exhibition before December 31st, 1928. The registrations, of quota films for the first three months equal 80 per cent, of foreign features and 20 per cent, of British features. The British feature, films submitted during the year under review compare very favourably with the films originating elsewhere. No British feature film was rejected.