Film censorship discussed

Bureau of Cinema’s director Lai Van Sinh discussed liberalized film censorship in Vietnam during a March 30 interview with Tuoi Tre. Sinh was asked how the film Shoot as it Rings, "which was partly produced by government money, get through censorship?" He replied that although it had more sexual scenes than necessary, it did not go over the limit; and it focused on a serious problem in the society, namely the use of sexual pictures to blackmail victims for money or love. He said the "censorship committee simply suggested cutting some scenes. We censor according to what the cinema laws say, and can’t intervene too much."

He also said a new rating system is being established: "We’re currently developing a new censorship system in which films will be categorised based on audiences’ ages. There will be films for all audiences, films limited to those over 16, and restricted films, etc."

Source: Tuoi Tre/Vietnam Net Bridge, March 30.