World M&E News

Vietnam , Entertainment Business , Classification

Vietnamese film to attend Cannes Film Festival 2024, but lacks Cinema Department classification

Vietnamese film "Việt and Nam," directed by Trương Minh Quý, is listed for the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. However, the Director of the Cinema Department, Vi Kiến Thành, said that the Cinema Department has not yet licensed the film to compete at the festival.

Viet Nam News | 17-Apr-24
UK , Classification , Ratings , BBFC , Violence , Coarse Language

The Crow gets reclassified in the UK

In 2024, to mark the 30th anniversary of “ Crow,” the film returns to select UK cinemas. When the movie returns to the big screen, it will no longer carry an ’18’ certificate as the BBFC has reclassified the film “15.”

Its a Stampede | 17-Apr-24
Australia , Classification , Government , Regulation

Australia: Public consultation on National Classification Reform

On 4 April 2024, the Minister for Communications opened a consultation on significant and comprehensive stage two reforms to the National Classification Scheme.

Lexology | 16-Apr-24
Tanzania , Censorship , LGBTQ

Tanzania ‘extensively’ censors LGBTQ+ apps and websites, researchers find

Tanzania has ramped up its digital censorship of LGBTQ+ websites, media, and dating apps in the past year, researchers have found.

The Record | 15-Apr-24
India , Censorship , CBFC , Profanity , Obscenity

CBFC asks to remove abusive dialogues from LSD 2; asks to add disclaimer for queer story

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has asked to remove certain dialogues from Dibakar Banerjee’s upcoming film “Love Sex Aur Dhokha (LSD) 2.”

Cinema Express | 14-Apr-24
Nigeria , Entertainment Business , Culture , NFVCB

Nigerian Filmmakers, Cinemas And Technological Impact

Filmmakers, actors, and professionals behind the scenes in Nigeria have waltzed a tortuous journey to bring forth authentic stories and shape how the world views our culture

Leadership | 13-Apr-24
China , Netflix , Government , Backlash , Censorship , Culture , Violence

The Chinese backlash over Netflix’s 3 Body Problem, explained

Netflix is banned in China, part of the government’s ongoing efforts to limit both foreign influence and Chinese citizens’ access to information about their own country. But that hasn’t stopped Chinese viewers and state media from weighing in on its highly anticipated adaptation of the Chinese sci-fi novel “The Three-Body Problem.”

Vox | 12-Apr-24
India , Culture , Backlash , Censorship , Religion

Indian Catholics slam diocese for screening anti-Muslim movie

A group of Catholics in India have condemned a diocese for screening a purportedly anti-Muslim film for youths just before the general election. Still, a Catholic youth group plans to screen the movie in three more dioceses.

Union of Catholic Asian News | 12-Apr-24
India , New Release , CBFC , Violence , Sex , Religion

Priyanka Chopra reviews Monkey Man even as controversial film awaits CBFC clearance, Indian release date: ‘Bravo Dev Patel’

“Monkey Man” is scheduled to release on April 19 in India, but it reportedly awaits clearance from the CBFC due to violence, sexual scenes, and references to Hindu religion and mythology.

The Indian Express | 12-Apr-24
Vietnam , Netflix , Regulation , Government , MIC

Netflix ordered to stop distributing unauthorised games in Vietnam

The Authority of Broadcasting, Television and Electronic Information has sent an official letter to Netflix, requesting its compliance with Vietnam’s legal regulations on providing online gaming services.

Vietnamnet | 11-Apr-24
Vietnam , Entertainment Business , Culture

Vietnamese films face challenges in global market

Local Vietnamese films are struggling to reach European and American markets due to local movie production culture.

Viet Nam News | 10-Apr-24
Kenya , TikTok , Government , Culture , Censorship , KFCB , Obscenity

TikTok Says Ready To Collaborate With Kenyan Gov't To Address Moderation Concerns

Chinese video-sharing platform TikTok says it is ready to collaborate with the Kenyan government to keep its local community safe on the platform.

Citizen Digital | 10-Apr-24
India , Culture , Backlash , Censorship , Religion , Politics

Despite uproar, two more Kerala Christian dioceses plan to screen 'The Kerala Story'

Unfazed by the backlash, two more Catholic Christian dioceses in Kerala are planning to screen the controversial film "The Kerala Story." during the weekend.

The Week | 9-Apr-24
UK , Ratings , BBFC , Drugs , Violence

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace is toughened up from U to PG by film classifiers due to 'strength of violence' - over scenes including Darth Maul being chopped in half by a lightsaber<br>

The age rating of the movie "The Phantom Menace" has been toughened up from a U to a PG by film classifiers ahead of 25th-anniversary screenings. It includes violent scenes that show villain Darth Maul chopped in half by a lightsaber and Jedi master Qui-Gon Jinn being stabbed through the torso.

Daily Mail | 9-Apr-24
Malaysia , Censorship , Politics , Government , LPF , Politics

Political interference in film screening

A screening of the documentary "She's in Jail" hosted by Johor Yellow Flame on March 30 was canceled when Home Ministry and police officers showed up.

The Malaysian Insight | 8-Apr-24
India , Culture , Backlash , Censorship , CBFC , Religion

Church in Kerala screens ‘The Kerala Story’ for minors to counter ‘Love Jihad’

The Cinematograph Act and the amended Information and Technology Act has restrictions on screening adult rated films but the the Idukki Diocese of the Syro Malabar Church in Kerala screened the movie to school children.

The News Minute | 8-Apr-24
Nigeria , Culture , Localization , Government

Institute Admonishes Movie Makers On Cultural Ethics In Films

The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) has called on Movie producers in the country to emphasize the use of indigenous dresses for actors and actresses during film productions to promote morality and cultural ethics.

Leadership | 6-Apr-24
Nigeria , Tik Tok , Regulation , Government , NFVCB , Smoking

Censors Board, groups to collaborate on tobacco in movies

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and some non-governmental organizations have agreed to continue collaborating to reduce the effects of tobacco and other harmful products towards achieving a "Smokefree Nollywood."

Head Topics | 6-Apr-24
India , Censorship , Culture , CBFC , Religion , Politics

Dev Patel's 'Monkey Man' release stalls in India amid controversy

Dev Patel's directorial debut, "Monkey Man," is facing potential obstacles for its release in India due to its "political undertones" and "references to Hindu mythological characters," reportedly.

NewsBytes | 6-Apr-24
Vietnam , Backlash , Classification , Culture , MCST , Misrepresentation , Politics

Expert teams detect infringement in distributing films on internet

Because some film has illegal content and images of the nine-dash line, which severely affect cultural security and national sovereignty on the internet, Hanoi voters voiced their petition on the increasing responsibility and careful censorship in appraisal and licensing of foreign films shown online on social networking platforms.

Saigon News | 6-Apr-24
Malaysia , Censorship , Classification , LPF , Violence

Controversial 'Winnie the Pooh' Sequel to be Released in Malaysia

The sequel of the controversial film "Winnie the Pooh" is set to be released in Malaysia on April 10, ahead of Singapore and Thailand. The film has faced political controversies and was abruptly canceled in Hong Kong.

Head Topics | 4-Apr-24
Nigeria , Censorship , KSCB , LGBTQ

Kano Film Censorship Board Bans Movies Promoting Cross-Dressing, Thuggery

The Kano State Film Censorship Board has banned the distribution of movies depicting or endorsing cross-dressing and thuggery in the state.

Solacebase | 4-Apr-24
Singapore , X , Censorship , IMDA , Violence

X takes down ISIS videos showing Moscow concert hall killings after being notified by IMDA

Social media platform X has removed videos showing ISIS-Khorasan’s March 22 massacre in a concert hall near Moscow after being notified by Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).

The Straits Times | 3-Apr-24
Indonesia , Backlash , Blasphemy , Horror , Religion

Qibla Movies Between Blasphemy And Praise

After releasing posters and trailers, many netizens on X also objected to horror films with religious elements, such as "Kiblat."

VOI | 3-Apr-24
India , Regulation , Government , TRAI

TRAI Releases Consultation Paper On Inputs For Formulation Of National Broadcasting Policy-2024

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a Consultation Paper on ‘Inputs for formulation of National Broadcasting Policy-2024’.

News on Air | 2-Apr-24
Malaysia , Government , Regulation , Streaming Platforms

Regulating streaming platforms stifles artistic expression, says Harith Iskander

The government should resist pressure to regulate streaming platforms, as doing so could hinder the development and global appeal of the Malaysian film industry, says comedian and actor Harith Iskander.

Free Malaysia Today | 2-Apr-24
Japan , Ratings , EIRIN

‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Gets a Historic Age Rating in Japan – A First For Marvel Studios

The Japanese Film Ethics Classification and Rating Organization (EIRIN) has given “Deadpool & Wolverine” an R15+ rating, marking a historic first for Marvel Studios.

Comic Basics | 2-Apr-24
UK , Netflix , Backlash , Sexuality

Netflix still streams controversial movie after apologising as thousands of people signed petition for it to be banned

Despite thousands of people signing petitions to ban it, Netflix is still streaming "Cuties," a controversial movie. Although the streaming platform apologized, it seems the movie is still available on their UK platform today (2 April 2024).

LADbible | 2-Apr-24
Japan , Censorship , Trigger Warning

Oppenheimer won Best Picture. Its new reception in Japan was very different.

The film’s Japan premiere renews critiques about what the movie omitted.

Vox | 2-Apr-24
China , Netflix , Backlash , Culture , Discrimination

Chinese state media accuse Netflix series 3 Body Problem of pushing ‘American cultural hegemony’

China’s state media published a blistering critique of the Netflix series 3 Body Problem on Saturday, saying the adaptation of an award-winning Chinese sci-fi trilogy promotes “American cultural hegemony” under the guise of diversity.

South China Morning Post | 31-Mar-24
Malaysia , Government , Censorship , LPF , Politics

MP slams raid on indie film show in Johor

An MP has criticized home ministry officials who stopped a documentary film about a Hong Kong pro-democracy activist from being screened in Kulai, Johor, earlier today.

MSN | 31-Mar-24
Japan , Trigger Warning

‘Oppenheimer’ finally premieres in Japan — with trigger warnings

The Academy Award Best Picture winner “Oppenheimer” finally premiered in Japan on Friday with trigger warnings after an eight-month controversy over how it would be perceived there.

New York Post | 30-Mar-24
South Korea , Censorship , Government

South Korean censorship obscures vital information

North Korea deleted much of its online presence, with eight websites going offline and most of its social media accounts disappearing. South Korean state censorship of North Korean media has hindered accurate reporting on North Korea, leading to late, shallow analysis or underreported stories in both local and international news coverage.

East Asia Forum | 30-Mar-24
Middle East , Globalization

Middle East ‘poised to make its mark on global content landscape,’ says TV boss

Ziad Kebbi, CEO of Dubai-based Blue Engine Studios, says its vision is to produce “compelling, high-quality content” that ‘creates a deep connection’ with audiences.<br><br>

Arab News | 29-Mar-24
India , Censorship , Government

India’s media – captured and censored

Across almost every form of media in India – social, broadcast and print – Narendra Modi and the BJP hold sway.

Aljazeera | 28-Mar-24
Ireland , Backlash , Ratings , IFCO , Nudity , Sexuality

IFCO complaints over Saltburn's 'stomach-churning' bath scene as one viewer 'didn't eat for a day'

The Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO) has received several complaints about the Barry Keoghan movie "Saltburn," with one cinemagoer claiming he didn't eat for a day after watching the infamous bathtub scene.

Irish Mirror | 27-Mar-24
North Korea , Censorship , Culture

North Korean TV censors British gardening show host’s jeans

North Korea’s state broadcaster, KCTV, has blurred out a pair of jeans worn by veteran British TV host Alan Titchmarsh as part of the country’s censorship of foreign fashion and culture.<br><br>

CNN | 27-Mar-24
UK , Ratings , BBFC , Drugs , Violence , Sexuality , Profanity

BBFC to safeguard kids from sex, violence and swearing but goes soft on cannabis

Although the BBFC said it would be stricter with on-screen sex scenes that are currently deemed acceptable for 12-year-olds, it would take a "less restrictive approach" to cannabis and solvent use.

The Christian Institute | 27-Mar-24
US , TikTok , Ratings , Mental Health

Attorney General Bird Challenges TikTok to Protect Kids

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird filed to change TikTok's app store age rating to protect kids while the office's lawsuit continues.

Legal Newsline | 27-Mar-24
Australia , Ratings , ACB , ESRB , Gambling , Violence

Star Wars Outlaws is not for kids: the game from Ubisoft has been given an age rating in Australia

The Australian Classification Board has given "Star Wars Outlaws" an "M" rating, which means that the game is not recommended for anyone under the age of 19, a rating similar to the "T" rating from the European ESRB.

Gagadget | 26-Mar-24
Malaysia , Censorship , LPF

20 years since ‘The Passion of the Christ’, the film that changed religious cinema

Despite the controversies and censorship in many countries, Mel Gibson's masterwork from 2004 continues to be very popular worldwide.

Evangelical Focus | 26-Mar-24
Nigeria , Entertainment Business , NFVCB , Morality

EFCC, NFVCB Join Forces Against Criminal Content in Videos

The Executive Chairman of the Commission EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called on the National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB, to continually work against the glamourization of internet fraud and mutilation of currencies in films and movies meant for the public.

EFCC | 26-Mar-24
India , Censorship , Government , CBFC , Politics

Cutting through censors & sensibilities

Legal battles, controversies, and censorship challenges plague filmmakers like Ravi Yadav, Amit Rai, and Nilesh Krishnaa over their works' sensitive topics, unconventional portrayals, and objections from organizations, impacting their creative vision and release processes.

The Times of India | 26-Mar-24
Pakistan , Netflix , Censorship , Religion

Banned in Pakistan yet Bollywood’s anti-Pakistan films trend on Netflix

Hrithik Roshan starrer is the latest example of an anti-movie top trending on Netflix Pakistan.<br>

MMNews TV | 25-Mar-24
India , Trigger Warning , CBFC , Smoking , Alcohol

Alcohol warning in Hindi, foreign films on the rise

While anti-tobacco watermark warnings in Indian cinemas have been required since 2012 by the Health Ministry, anti-alcohol warnings have varied by State and language.

The Hindu | 25-Mar-24
Nigeria , Censorship , Government , NFVCB

Cultural Content: NICO, Censors Board to collaborate on policy realignment

The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) has indicated interest in working with the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) towards a policy realignment that will mandate the inclusion of at least 20 percent of cultural content in films produced in Nigeria.

The Vanguard | 24-Mar-24
Gulf , Censorship

Blessy’s film ‘Aadujeevitham’ faces ban in Gulf countries; limited release in UAE

Renowned filmmaker Blessy's upcoming film, "Aadujeevitham," also known as "The Goat Life," has encountered a setback as it has been banned in Gulf countries. The film has obtained permission to screen in limited theatres only in the UAE.

Janam Online | 24-Mar-24
Malaysia , Censorship , Government , LPF , LGBTQ , Religion

Netizens express discontent over government's streaming platform regulation plan

Netizens pointed out that the country has more pressing issues like financial mismanagement and economic woes.<br><br>

Sinar Daily | 24-Mar-24
Ukraine , Censorship , Government

Ministry of Culture pushes for more Ukrainian language in computer games

The Ministry of Culture and Information Policy actively adjusts communication with world leaders in the field of computer games and plans to ensure the presence of Ukrainian-language versions of products on the domestic market.

Rubryka | 23-Mar-24
Nigeria , Censorship , Classification , NFVCB

NFVCB wants to be known for classification of Nollywood films, not censorship

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has solicited a partnership with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to promote its reforms in film classification operations.

Pulse | 21-Mar-24
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