Australia Expands Film Consumer Advice Per Citizen Feedback

Spherex • Jun 09, 2023

In a 2022 government survey of 2,000 Australians, the Australian Classification Board (ACB) learned that consumers wanted more up-to-date classification information reflecting community standards and "specific warnings that content could be distressing to some people." Examples included scenes with "bullying, suicide or self-harm, as well as disturbing content related to horror, or blood and gore." Responding to the feedback, the ACB announced on 25 May 2023 that it would significantly expand consumer advice on all rated movies. The additional advice does not apply to TV shows or games.


The ACB disseminates guidance in two ways. First, it publishes consumer advice details on the movie's page on its website. Second, the film's rating and list of content warnings appear before the start of each movie, whether exhibited theatrically or online.

 

What the Expanded Consumer Advice Looks Like

One of the first titles to receive this additional consumer advice is the film "The Pope's Exorcist." The ACB assigned it an "MA15+ Restricted rating," restricting audience attendees to those over age 15. The film label includes the previous standard of "strong horror themes and bloody violence." Before the new guidance went into effect, those five words were the extent of official notice. The consumer advice now includes additional details about the film:

The Pope's Exorcist


The Pope’s Exorcist is a supernatural horror film, purportedly inspired by the files of the Chief Exorcist of the Vatican, in which Father Gabriele Amorth investigates a young boy's terrifying possession and ends up uncovering a centuries-old conspiracy the Vatican has desperately tried to keep hidden.


Themes

The film features themes of demonic possession and acts of supernatural violence that cause characters to spit blood and suffer supernatural wounds. There are also references to suicide and sexual abuse by the members of the Catholic church.


Violence

The film includes battles against supernatural forces in exorcisms that include bloody injuries.


Sex

The film includes sexual references including the use of the word 'f**k' in a sexual context.


Language

The film includes the use of the words 'f**k,' 'shit,' 'bitch' and 'whore.'


Nudity

The film includes a scene featuring breast nudity.

Source: Australian Classification Board (ACB) rating for the 27 May 2023 theatrical release of "The Pope's Exorcist."

In announcing the newly expanded consumer advice, Australia's Minister for Communications, the Honorable Michelle Rowland, said, "The survey showed us that Australians value the classification scheme but want more information about what they watch. This updated advice will ensure there are no surprises and help adults make informed decisions about the content that they, and those in their care, consume.”


Consumers can find these new details on the ACB’s or the theater's websites.


A studio or distributor wanting to release movies in Australia needs a detailed understanding of the elements that impact ACB age ratings to prepare for distribution accurately. Spherex is the only commercial provider of Australian government-approved age ratings with thorough contextual knowledge to help get it right the first time. Contact Spherex today to learn how Spherexratings™ enables you to achieve Australian compliance faster, for less cost, and without brand risk.

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