New film classification allows for creative works suited for current times

KUALA LUMPUR - The introduction of the new Film Classification 2023 by the Home Ministry through the Film Censorship Board allows local creative industry players to produce creative works more suited to the current time and technology.

Actor, director and producer Aziz M Osman said the changes made were in line with the changing times but manages to retain similar concepts of community sensibilities, especially to protect the underaged, from unhealthy elements.

"The new classifications, such as P12, 13 and 16 clearly shield children and those under 18 from being exposed to films with unsuitable content for their age.

"It is not for just creators but also for the community, especially parents, to help them ensure that youth are not exposed to things that could taint their thinking and behaviour,” he told Bernama, after attending a recent briefing by the censorship board, along with over 100 local creative industry players, about the new classification that took effect on Feb 1.

On Feb 1, the Home Ministry through the censorship board set five categories under the new classification system - U for viewers of all ages, P12 for viewers of all ages, with parental guidance needed for those under 12, 13 for viewers 13 years and above, 16 for viewers 16 and above, and 18 for viewers 10 and above.

Aziz, who owns Ace Motion Pictures Sdn Bhd, was optimistic about the new classification, saying that it allowed creators to be more creative.

"Usually those who are in the industry can be too complacent, if there’s a love scene, you need to hold hands or hug each other. But with certain limitations, we need to find alternatives, which can be more original and better,” he said, citing the film industry in Iran that is tightly regulated, but managed to get global attention and win various international awards.

Popular director cum producer Datuk Yusof Haslam concurred, saying that one of the main principles behind the move is to raise awareness, especially among parents, to ensure that youth are not easily exposed to negative elements.

"The addition of the 16 classification actually does help many film producers and it is a good step for the betterment of all,” he said.

The Skop Productions Sdn Bhd owner also thought that the censorship board has become more receptive towards local creative industry players’ views.

"They still have quite a bit of consideration, and if there are any problems, we can still have a chance to meet and discuss matters. It’s a good move in trying to understand what’s going on in the industry today, especially with the wide open digital global world,” Yusof said.

Meanwhile, Film Censorship Board chairman Datuk Mohd Dusuki Ya’acob said a study on the film classification was made since 2019, after getting input from local industry players, as well as referring to the global film industry.

"There are countries that conducted studies on film classifications. On that basis, we conducted this new classification to be in line with the changes in time and technology so as not to be left behind.

"We carried out a few engagement sessions with the local creative industry players and that’s why not many questions were raised during the briefing as they are quite clear about the classification,” he said.

Mohd Dusuki said the board was open to meeting and discussing with local industry players if there were any issues.

"We are ready to talk if anyone wants to. For foreign films entering the country, classification is done based on the final product sent while for local players, they have more relaxed terms. We invite them to meet us with their final product and then discuss about classification,” he said. - BERNAMA