NCPCR

UK , Regulation , Rating Values , ICO

What games companies need to know about the Age Appropriate Design Code

With the UK's new kids data code now in force, Reed Smith's Elle Todd explores what the industry needs to do

Gamesindustry.biz | 8-Dec-21
India , Government , Censorship , Religion , Politics

Guidelines ready for 'no controversy' film shoots in Madhya Pradesh.

The MP government has finalized the guidelines for film shoots in the state, aiming to make it mandatory for the script to be shared with the district administration in advance so that the collector can go through the contents ensure there's nothing 'objectionable'.

Times Of India | 8-Dec-21
Middle East , Culture , Censorship , LGBTQ , Sexuality

Steven Spielberg's 'West Side Story' Hit With Bans In Middle East

After 'Eternals', Another Disney Film - Steven Spielberg's Upcoming Remake Of Classic 'West Side Story' - Has Run Into Rough Weather In The Middle East.

Ahmedabad Mirror | 7-Dec-21
Australia , Censorship , Politics

Beyond censorship in Australian Chinese-language media

Audiences in Australia have been bombarded with stories of the censorship of stories in Chinese-language media.

Policy Forum | 7-Dec-21
Pakistan , Disney+ , Localization , Culture

Hollywood can't use 'creative licence' and misrepresent Pushtun culture: Hameed Sheikh

With an overactive censor board hacking away at any promise of newness and intrigue, and the stories managing to escape the executioner’s axe often being regurgitative in theme and narrative, local cinema appears to be in a dismal state.

The Express Tribune | 6-Dec-21
Hungary , Regulation , Government , NMHH

András Koltay to head Hungarian regulator

András Koltay has been appointed the president of Hungary’s National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH).

Broadband TV News | 6-Dec-21
Africa , Censorship , Culture , KFCB , LGBTQ

I Am Samuel: An African love story against all odds, yet with further obstacles and divisions to navigate

Queer documentary ‘I Am Samuel’ aims to present new perspectives and understanding. Its makers hope the documentary will serve as a catalyst for dialogue across the country.

Daily Maverick | 6-Dec-21
Saudi Arabia , Government , New Business

From cinema ban to film festival: Saudi rolls out red carpet

Less than four years after lifting a ban on cinemas, Saudi Arabia is to host its first major film festival from Monday as it eyes a lucrative new industry.

France 24 | 6-Dec-21
Middle East , Censorship , Culture , LGBTQ

West Side Story banned in parts of Middle East over trans character

Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-tipped remake will not be showing in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar or the UAE

The Guardian | 6-Dec-21
Turkey , Censorship , RTUK , Morality , Sexuality

"Infiel”: what Cansu Dere thinks about censorship in Turkish soap operas

In recent years, one of the countries that has been considered the cradle of successful international soap operas is Turkey. In his different productions, intimate or related scenes are not seen. This is because it is established by the Supreme Council of Radio and Television (RTUK).

Market Research Telecast | 5-Dec-21
Malaysia , Censorship , LPF , Politics

This film festival celebrates movies that are censored in Malaysia

Malaysia is famous (or shall we say, infamous) for regularly censoring and banning films. So what happens to films that suffer the wrath of Malaysia's Film Censorship Board (LPF)? They either disappear into obscurity or go on to win awards abroad.

Mashable | 3-Dec-21
India , Streaming Platforms , Globalization

We should promote, back and support regional content: Manoj Bajpayee

In 2019, Manoj Bajpayee made his digital debut with The Family Man. He has appeared in a handful of web projects over the years. And according to him, one of the biggest plusses of the OTT boom is the explosion and wider reach of regional content.

The Hindustan Times | 2-Dec-21
China , South Korea , Culture

China to allow the screening of a Korean film for the first time in six years

Comedy film Oh! My Gran is set to hit Chinese theatres this Friday (December 3), becoming the first Korean film to be screened in the nation in six years since 2015’s Assassination, starring Jun Ji-hyun (Legend Of The Blue Sea, Jirisan) and Lee Jung-jae (Squid Game, The Housemaid).

New Musical Express | 2-Dec-21
China , Douban , Regulation , Government , Censorship , Politics

CDT CHINESE’S 404 FILES: Why Films get banned from DOUBAN

Douban has suspended its comment function until December 17, a measure that all but eviscerates the social media platform that was designed for users to talk about film, books, and music.

Chinese Digital Times | 2-Dec-21
China , Culture , Globalization

Forum held to explore methods of exporting Chinese culture

A forum was held Nov. 26 in Beijing to explore ways of exporting Chinese culture abroad – including Chinese film and art – to better enhance the influence of China's soft power.

China Internet Information Center | 2-Dec-21
Nigeria , Netflix , Streaming Platforms , Regulation , NFVCB , Politics

FG to regulate Netflix, other streaming services: Lai Mohammed

The federal government says it is planning regulations for streaming and content providers such as Netflix, worried that they can be used to “cause chaos” and undermine Nigeria’s democratic processes.

Peoples Gazette | 2-Dec-21
Hong Kong , Censorship , Politics

Taiwan’s Golden Horse Film Awards highlights Hong Kong's censored productions

The 58th Golden Horse Film Awards, dubbed the Chinese-language “Oscars,” was held in Taipei on November 27. In 2019, China's national film board ordered directors and actors to boycott the event, so for three consecutive years, the film festival has had no mainstream Chinese films on the nomination list.

Global Voices | 2-Dec-21
Palestine , Netflix , Culture

What Palestinians Really Think of Netflix's ‘Palestinian Stories’

The 32 films allegedly share a lesser-heard narrative around the world, but some Palestinians in the movie business note the absence of films like 'Jenin, Jenin' and say Palestinian-Israeli directors have been marginalized.

Haaretz | 1-Dec-21
Hong Kong , Disney+ , Censorship , Politics

Human Rights Group Condemns Disney for Censoring Simpsons Episode in Hong Kong

PEN America condemns Disney for censoring an episode of The Simpsons referencing Tiananmen Square in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Comic Book Resources | 1-Dec-21
North Korea , Government , Censorship , Politics

North Korean Boy Sentenced To 14 Years In Prison For Watching Movie

A14-year-old boy in North Korea has been arrested for allegedly watching a South Korean movie. The teenager was reportedly sentenced to 14 years of hard labor for watching the film.

International Business Times | 1-Dec-21
Nigeria , Streaming Platforms , Regulation , NFVCB

NFVCB seeks regulation of OTT, others

The CEO, National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Adedayo Thomas said it has become imperative to train Nigerians and especially youths in content production and over¬the¬top (OTT) streaming services. He underscored the need to give form, structure, balance and protection to practitioners so as not to lose the current value and forecast.

The Nation | 1-Dec-21
UK , Rating Values , BBFC , Racism

UK film classification board tightens up on N-word and racism

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is adopting a stricter position on the use of racist language in programmes, saying “attitudes had shifted” towards the use of outdated and offensive behaviour or language.

The Guardian | 30-Nov-21
India , Culture , Localization , Streaming Platforms

Rural unrest in cinema: Time to look back to the roots

The point is that with the repeal of the farm laws, there’s so much scope for relevant content, today, be it in cinema or on streaming platforms.

National Herald | 30-Nov-21
UK , Rating Values , BBFC , Racism

Stricter ratings on films featuring n-word is ‘step in the right direction’ but changes must go further

Black film organisation We Are Parable believes improving the presence of black creatives behind the camera will lead to greater authenticity on screen – and help tackle the gratuitous use of racial slurs.

Inews | 30-Nov-21
China , WeChat , Censorship , Government , LGBTQ , Politics

China’s queer internet is being erased

Across China, queer college societies, which had been rare spaces to safely push boundaries, were being swiftly erased from the Chinese internet.

Rest Of World | 30-Nov-21
USA , Backlash , Culture , Racism

‘Licorice Pizza’ Faces Backlash for ‘Buffoonish’ Asian Accent

While the reviews have been positive, some critics are calling out the film for insensitivity

The Wrap | 29-Nov-21
Malaysia , Censorship , Culture , LPF , Religion , Morality

Censorship Board did not approve seven movies since last year, Dewan Rakyat told

Since last year, the Film Censorship Board (LPF) has not approved seven movies to be screened in local theatres, with six films last year and one this year, says Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Mohamed Said.

The Star Malaysia | 29-Nov-21
Hong Kong , Disney+ , Censorship , Politics

Disney+ appears to censor episode of The Simpsons in Hong Kong referencing Tiananmen Massacre

Online video streaming service Disney+ appears to have censored an episode of The Simpsons in Hong Kong which references the 1989 Tiananmen Massacre.

Hong Kong Free Press | 29-Nov-21
India , Lionsgate Play , Globalization , Culture

'Our Content is Provocative and Edgy, We are Not Trying to Serve the Entire Family'

The newest OTT platform in town is Lionsgate Play and it’s already seen a successful year of operation in the country.

Financial Express | 28-Nov-21
International , Netflix , Amazon Prime Video , Globalization , Culture

The world is watching: TV hits around the globe

A Spanish trans woman’s memoirs, a Mumbai gangster drama, Israeli sisters in trouble…the Covid era is a rich moment for TV drama. Critics from Spain to South Korea tell us about the biggest shows in their countries.

The Guardian | 28-Nov-21
China , Backlash , Culture , Politics

US film using Chinese flag as a poster outrages Chinese netizens who claim violates China’s law

The poster for the US film The 355, starring Chinese actress Fan Bingbing, has come under fire in China for using the Chinese national flag, which Chinese netizens claim violates China's advertising law forbidding the flag's commercial use. In the poster, Fan can be seen standing in front of the Chinese flag. The commercial usage of the Chinese flag has outraged many Chinese netizens, who called for the poster to be changed.

Global Times | 28-Nov-21
USA , HBO Max , Censorship , Coarse Language , Violence

HBO Max fixes Birds of Prey blunder and uploads the R-rated version

HBO mistakenly added the censored version of Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) to its streaming service at some point. But now it has finally replaced it with the R-rated version, letting viewers indulge in all the curse words and crude gestures featured within the Suicide Squad spinoff.

The Verge | 28-Nov-21
Russia , Netflix , Censorship , Culture , LGBTQ , Gay Propaganda

Russian Interior Ministry launches probe into Netflix’s ‘LGBTQ’ content

In a formal complaint filed with the Russian Interior Ministry, Baranets, a resident of the Russian capital, alleged that Netflix was violating the law’s provisions that prohibit “propaganda on non-traditional sexual relations among Russians under the age of 18” when Netflix broadcast LGBTQ+ themed series with a 16+ label.

Los Angeles Blade | 28-Nov-21
Pakistan , Censorship , Government , CBFC , Politics

An uncensored history of film censorship in Pakistan

Censorship has always been the subject of hot debate in the arena of filmmaking in Pakistan. From scenes being slashed to titles being rewritten, the discussion surrounding cutting, censoring and banning the reel never ceases to raise the question if censorship is justified unless the content is illegal.

Samaa | 28-Nov-21
India , Backlash , Government , Religion , Politics

“Simbu's Maanadu film should be banned,” says BJP politician!

The film has courted controversy as a right-wing party politician accused Maanadu of inciting religious violence.

IndiaGlitz | 27-Nov-21
International , Netflix , TikTok , Culture , Globalization

International films and shows in the mainstream – Squid Game

In recent years, there has been a notable shift in the growing influence of international films on mainstream audiences. Foreign language films seem to now hold a more prominent stance in popular cinema.

Mancunion | 25-Nov-21
Japan , Globalization , Government , Politics

Revolution of Our Times’: Japan Screens Movie Banned in Hong Kong

A Hong Kong documentary film banned by the Chinese government premiered in Tokyo on November 7.

Japan Forward | 24-Nov-21
International , Localization

The Trials And Tribulations Of Video Game Localization

As the gaming industry becomes more globalized, video game localization is an increasingly pertinent topic. But few people actually understand what goes into the process.

Game Informer | 24-Nov-21
Italy , ITsART , New Business , Localization

Italy’s ‘Netflix of Culture,’ ITsART, Launches Across EU, Forges Cinecittà Pact

ITsART, an innovative streaming platform dubbed the ‘Netflix of Italian Culture,’ was rolled out across 26 European countries on Tuesday, with plans to expand into the U.S. and China next year.

Variety | 23-Nov-21
India , Netflix , New Business , Localization

Netflix India Content Chief Monika Shergill Discusses Local Strategy

Speaking at the APOS India media conference on Tuesday, Shergill said, “Over the last couple of years, we’ve had a dramatic growth.

Variety | 23-Nov-21
Hungary , Comedy Central , MTV , Government , Backlash , Censorship , MNHH , LGBTQ

Hungarian media to publish LGBTI campaign despite risk of fines

Three television channels and several magazines will publish an awareness campaign to educate on LGBTI families, despite the Hungarian media regulator having earlier initiated proceedings against networks on the same grounds.

Euractiv | 23-Nov-21
India , SonyLiv , Backlash , CBFC , Coarse Language

CBFC clears the air on OTT version of Churuli

The CBFC has issued a statement wherein they clarified that the version presently streaming on SonyLIV is not the certified copy.

Cinema Express | 23-Nov-21
International , Netflix , Localization , Backlash

Want better localization? Blame corporate greed.

The entertainment industry’s unwillingness to pay skilled language professionals to produce high-quality localizations is a matter of choice.

Unseen Japan | 23-Nov-21
Cameroon , Netflix , New Business , Globalization

Cameroon has finally made its Netflix debut. It’s been a long time coming.

In early 2021, Anglophone Cameroonian filmmakers made a momentous debut as four films were made available on the global streaming behemoth Netflix.

African Arguements | 23-Nov-21
North Korea , Netflix , Government , Censorship , Politics

North Korean sentenced to death after students caught watching Squid Game

North Korea has sentenced to death a man who smuggled and sold copies of the Netflix series “Squid Game” after authorities caught seven high school students watching the Korean-language global hit show, sources in the country told RFA.

Radio Free Asia | 23-Nov-21
Malaysia , Government , Censorship , LPF , Politics

Malaysian distributor of Chinese film ‘The Battle At Lake Changjin’ contemplates resubmitting to local censorship board.

The local distributor of Chinese war film The Battle At Lake Changjin is contemplating submitting the film for reconsideration to the Malaysian Film Censorship Board (LPF) again after the first submission was rejected.

Malay Mail | 22-Nov-21
India , Regulation , Age-Rating , CBFC

Cinematograph Amendment Bill 2021 – Analysis Of Recent Developments

The government has proposed amendments to the Cinematograph Act, in 2010, 2018, 2019 and 2021 pursuant to the observations and the recommendations made in the Mukul Mudgal Committee (2013), Shyam Benegal Committee (2016) and the Standing Committee on Information Technology (2019-2020).

Mondaq | 22-Nov-21
Hong Kong , Government , Censorship , OFNAA , Politics

Two Hong Kong movie showings axed under new gov’t national security film censorship rules

According to the trailer of the film from the Taipei Film Festival, Piglet Piglet was set around the Taiwanese presidential election in 2020.

Hong Kong Free Press | 22-Nov-21
Nigeria , Culture , Government , Censorship , NFVCB , Morality

NFVCB not against creativity, but immoral, unlicensed films

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) is not against creativity and intellectual property, but frowns at immoral and non-cultural films and videos, its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Adedayo Thomas, has said.

The Eagle Online | 22-Nov-21
Afghanistan , Government , Censorship , Culture , Politics , Religion

Taliban bans women from appearing in TV dramas

The latest set of Taliban guidelines, which have been issued to Afghan TV channels, features eight new rules, including, the banning films considered against the principles of Sharia, or Islamic law.

National Herald | 22-Nov-21