Paranormal Activity
The film had its 'M' rating changed to R16
Paranormal Activity originally came into New Zealand with an unrestricted rating of 'M' and the descriptive note 'contains offensive language'. It had received its rating through the cross-rating process based on the M-rating it had been given in Australia.
Find out more about the cross-rating process
After complaints from members of the public, the Chief Censor called the film in to be classified by the New Zealand Office of Film and Literature Classification. As a result, the film was classified as 'R16: contains horror scenes and offensive language'. This classification also applies to the DVD version of the film.
The film is presented as 'real footage'
Micah and Katie, a couple living in a suburban house, become increasingly disturbed by a demonic presence in their home. Micah, a sceptic, decides to 
run a video camera to capture the demon’s activity whilst they sleep. The activity becomes more frequent and aggressive, and Katie’s nocturnal behaviour begins to change.
The film is shot entirely by hand-held camera, and the film is presented as being made of 'found footage' – all footage seen appears to be shot by Micah or Katie.
The film was advertised as one of the scariest of all time
In countries around the world there were reports of people collapsing at cinemas from fear either during or after watching the film.
Read an article from stuff.co.nz about the film being 'too scary for Italians'
members of the public complained about the 'm' rating
Members of the public complained to the Classification Office about Paranormal Activity's unrestricted rating. They felt that the film was very frightening and contained extremely disturbing themes. One complainant said that her 13-year-old son was extremely disturbed after watching the film.
As a result of the complaints, the Chief Censor decided to call the film in
Under section 13 of the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act, the Chief Censor can decide to classify a publication that hasn't previously been seen by the Classification Office, such as a cross-rated film. A copy of the film was sent to the Classification Office to be examined and classified using the criteria set out in section 3 of the Classification Act. 
Paranormal Activity is not your typical horror film
There is not a lot of blood or violence in this film. Instead, the film-makers use simple but effective techniques to build the sense of fear and tension as the film progresses. A lot of the 'horrific' action happens off screen – the audience experiences what is going on by hearing it and by seeing the characters' reactions.
The Classification Office decided the film required a restriction
After viewing the film and applying the classification criteria, an R16 classification was assigned to the film. In the summary of reasons for the decision, the Classification Office noted that:
The images of horror, the sinister supernatural themes, and the tension and realistic fear the characters experience in the film are likely to be greatly shocking and disturbing to younger teenagers and children.
Although deliberately designed to scare and disturb all viewers, adults and older teenagers will be more likely to be able to put the images and themes of the film into context. Children and young teenagers, on the other hand, are likely to sustain lasting damage from seeing films like this, including nightmares and persistent upsetting thoughts. Therefore, the film is restricted to persons who have attained the age of 16 years.
Want to find out more about the classification of horror films?
Check out our Horror genre case study
Glossary:
- 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'
- Cross-rating = A system of rating unrestricted films where the unrestricted classification from Australia or the UK is given to unrestricted (G, PG, or M) films in New Zealand
- 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 Literature Classification
