Film censorship today
In the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993, film is defined as any 'material record of visual moving images that is capable of being used for the subsequent display of those images'.
The term 'film' includes:
- films for display in cinemas
- video recordings
- DVDs and Blu-ray discs
- console and computer games (read about these under Games)
- moving image files (read about these under Computer technology)
- films on cellphones (read about these under Cellphones)
Classification labels are required for films
Films (with a few exceptions) must carry labels showing their New Zealand rating/classification and descriptive note. The classification must also be shown in advertising for films. The requirement for labelling also applies to people selling second-hand DVDs, eg, on TradeMe.
More information on selling on TradeMe
More information on what films are exempt from labelling
Glossary:
- Rating = a consumer advice statement given for films and DVDs by the Film and Video Labelling Body: G, PG, or M. Ratings can be overturned by classification decisions from the Office of Film and Litearture Classification
- Classification = A legal statement about who can have accss to a publication. A classification can make a publication unrestricted (G, PG, M), restricted (RP or R), or objectionable (banned)
- Descriptive note = The extra wording on a classification label which warns people of content in the film e.g. 'M: contains sexual references and offensive language'
