FILM CLASSIFICATION IN QUÉBEC

FILM CLASSIFICATION IN QUÉBEC

Visa général (General public), 16 years and over, 13 years and over, 18 years and over... The Régie du cinéma is the government agency responsible for controlling the showing and distribution of films in Québec and ensuring that copyright is respected, in accordance with the law. It rates all films distributed in Québec, regardless of format or content. The law requires that every film be classified and that the public be notified of the rating. Do these terms sound familiar? You've seen them at the entrance to movie theatres, in the media, and on the labels of the videos you rent or buy. But do you know exactly how and why films are classified in Québec? Because forewarned is forearmed especially when it comes to children the Régie du cinéma invites you to find the answers to the above question in this brochure, which will allow you to make informed viewing choices. Enjoy the movie!

protection without censorship Since the mid 1960s, censorship is no longer practised in Québec. The Régie du cinéma does not, therefore, cut any material from films. Instead, it classifies them according to age groups. This system better meets the needs of our society, protecting young people while ensuring the widest possible access to cinema. The ratings also provide the public with information that can help one decide what films to see. Overall, films are judged according to general trends in Québec society and in such a way as to be in keeping with the rules of public order. However, when the Régie believes that a film presents a real danger to the public good, especially in terms of obscenity, it reserves the right to refuse classification. In such cases, the showing, sale and rental of the film are prohibited. guidelines Classifiers analyse films as objectively as possible, taking into account both the subject and the treatment. Themes analysed violence sexuality controversial issues or subjects (suicide, drugs, incest, disturbing situations, etc.) attacks on persons psychopathological behaviour Treatment of the themes for classification images that may be disturbing to young viewers impact of the editing, sound and special effects emphasis on certain unpleasant details type of language used overall tone of the film Classifiers look at difficult passages in the light of their overall context, and evaluate them according to their pertinence or gratuitousness. They consider whether the film is realistic and true to life, as well as the likelihood of viewers identifying with the subject. Every work is judged in its entirety, and the rating seeks to reflect the overall effect of the film on young viewers. 2 3

classification categories Social consensus The Régie du cinéma is constantly striving to keep track of the ever evolving social consensus, a primary consideration in film classification. Therefore it takes into account social concerns; it follows the evolution of public opinion on all matters that can enlighten its decisionmaking process. It also calls on experts for issues that require specialised advice. The Régie keeps abreast of all new cinematographic developments and it judges the works it receives for classification according to the realities of Québec. It also remains informed of the decisions of other similar agencies in North America and elsewhere in the world. A classification of "Visa général" does not necessarily mean that the film is of interest to children. It only The film is appropriate for means that its content is not viewing, rental likely to be disturbing to or purchase by young viewers. However, persons of all ages when a film with a "G" rating might offend the sensibilities of children under eight years of age, the Régie du cinéma adds "Not suitable for young children" to the Visa général classification. Films classified as Visa général have only occasional scenes of violence. These are not overly intense and are not condoned. The tone and genre of the film are important elements in the decision-making process: scenes of violence in a comedy or adventure film centring on a hero who is larger than life do not have the same impact on children as those in a more realistic film. Although there may be some nudity, love scenes remain rather discreet. Depending on the context, some expletives are tolerated. It is important to note that the role of the Régie is separate from that of parents, who should ensure that their children see films that conform to their personal values. 4 5

The film may be viewed, purchased or rented only by persons 13 years of age or older. Children under 13 may be admitted only if accompanied by an adult. The Régie classifies in this category films that require a certain level of judgement. These films contain passages or sequences that may offend the sensibilities of younger viewers. Teenage viewers are more aware of the fact that a movie is not reality and are therefore better psychologically prepared to follow more complex or dramatic films. Violence, eroticism, coarse language or horror may be more developed and may constitute a dominant characteristic of the film. However, it is important that the film allow viewers to discern the meaning that should be attributed to the various characters and their actions, because teenagers are not necessarily prepared to face everything. This is why certain themes (drugs, suicide, troubling situations, etc.) and their treatment are carefully examined. The film may be viewed, puchased or rented only by persons 16 years of age and over. At the age of 16, young people enter a transition period between the end of adolescence and the beginning adulthood. They are more independent, and have usually attained a certain level of psychological maturity. Films with this rating present troubling themes, situations or behaviours and adopt a more direct point of view about things. They may therefore contain scenes where violence, horror and sexuality are more graphic. The film may be viewed, purchased or rented only by persons 18 years of age and over. Films reserved for adults most often deal primarily with the representation of explicit sexual encounters. They may also be extremely violent, showing scenes of hyperrealistic cruelty, torture and horror. The Régie believes that films with this classification require an incipient maturity and invites parents to take the rating into account. 6 7

refusal of classification The Régie du cinéma may The showing, sale refuse to classify certain or rental of the films. These cases, which film is prohibited. are quite rare, involve films deemed to interfere with public order. They are usually based on an undue exploitation of sexuality, presented in a context of non-fictional violence, cruelty and dehumanization of the protagonists. It is considered that such exploitation is beyond the threshold of tolerance of contemporary Québec society, and that the film cannot be made public in this form. additional information The ratings are sometimes accompanied by indications which specify the dominant characteristic of the film. These may prove quite useful when the classification alone does not provide sufficient information. For children Associated with a "Visa général" rating, this indication means that the film is particularly suitable for young children. Not suitable for young children Associated with a "Visa général" rating, this indication warns that the film may be disturbing to children under eight years of age. Coarse language Accompanies a rating of "13 years and over," "16 years and over" or "18 years and over." This indication means that the film contains coarse or obscene language. Eroticism Accompanies a rating of "13 years and over," "16 years and over" or "18 years and over." This indication specifies that the film contains enough visual elements pertaining to sexuality to make this one of its dominant characteristics. 8 9

the canadian and american classification system Violence Accompanies a rating of "13 years and over," "16 years and over" or "18 years and over." This indication means that violence is one of the dominant aspects of the film. Horror Accompanies a rating of "13 years and over," "16 years and over" or "18 years and over." This indication warns that the film is strongly characterized by scenes aimed at provoking disgust, repulsion or fear, such as those showing mutilated bodies. Explicit sexuality Only accompanies the classification of "18 years and over." This indication signifies that the film essentially contains scenes of real and explicit sexual activity. In the retail video industry, the presence of this indication requires the storeowner to place the film in a room reserved for adults. Film classification reflects what is seen on the screen, not what is imagined or thought. The Régie du cinéma's classification is often accompanied by those of other agencies, such as the Canadian Film and Home Video Industry (CHV) and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). These two agencies represent the movie and video industries in Canada and the United States. The classification that has the force of law in Québec is, of course, the one from the Régie du cinéma. Nevertheless, in order to avoid confusion, the following is a short presentation of the two other systems that are most commonly seen. In the United States, there is no law governing the classification of films, and when a rating does appear on a product, viewers are free to disregard it. MPAA classifications are divided into five categories: G General audience (no age limit). PG Parental guidance suggested. PG-13 Parents strongly cautioned. R Should be restricted to viewers ages 17 and over or accompanied by an adult. NC-17 Should be restricted to viewers ages 18 and over. 10 11

The recommendations of the CHV are based on an average derived from the classifications of various Canadian provinces. As in Québec, educational, sports and documentary films are exempt from classification. G For all. PG Parental guidance advised. 14A For viewers ages 14 and over or accompanied by an adult. 18A For viewers ages 18 and over or accompanied by an adult. R Restricted to viewers ages 18 and over. This brochure summarizes the principal elements relating to film classification in Québec. Other provisions are included in the Cinema Act, the Regulations adopted pursuant to the Cinema Act, and the procedures manual of the Direction du classement des films. For more information or to receive the annual reports of the Régie: Régie du cinéma Direction du classement des films et du développement 455, rue Sainte-Hélène Montréal (Québec) H2Y 2L3 For information pertaining to film classification: Tel.: (514) 873-2492 or 1 800 463-2463 Fax: (514) 864-3229 E-mail: classement@rcq.qc.ca For all subjects pertaining to other responsibilities of the Régie: Tel.: (514) 873-2371 or 1 800 463-2463 12