Regulation of movie showings updated
(CNS): The local Film Control Board now has the authority to rate films being shown in Cayman, as the Film Exhibition Control Law (2015) came into effect 1 January. Cabinet has appointed Rita Estevanovich (chair), Tonie Chisholm and Andrew Ebanks to the board for a period of three years. The law also calls for the Department of Commerce and Investment to license premises used for the public showing of films.
“Government hopes to encourage a variety of businesses to operate on these shores and this legislation provides further clarity for film festivals and other public screenings that can be staged here and grant Cayman positive international exposure,” said Commerce Minister Wayne Panton. “At the same time, the law calls for the protection of consumers by clearly identifying film content and building in safeguards against minors watching harmful material.”
He added, “Government is not taking away the role of parents in determining what constitutes appropriate viewing, but rather ensuring that parents can make better decisions regarding what films their children watch.”
The Film Exhibition Control Law, 2015, which was passed by the Legislative Assembly in June 2015, replaces the Cinematograph Law (2009).
Anyone intending to screen films that are not rated, such as locally made movies, will need to contact the board so they can review the film’s content and award a rating, which costs $25. The board also has the option of banning a movie from being screened if it is considered unsuitable for viewership in Cayman.
Movies that are screened without any ratings will be deemed as unsuitable for children. The law prevents premises from allowing children to view such films and they cannot be screened before 7pm. The legislation provides for penalties of at least $2,000, and refusing to pay that penalty will result in an additional fine of $4,000, six months imprisonment or both.
The DCI has various powers to ensure compliance with the law. Applications for a premises licence require a valid trade and business licence and proof of compliance with relevant planning, building, safety, fire and health codes. The licensing fee will vary between $100 and $1,500, depending on the cost of admission for the screening.
Category: Entertainment, Local Business
Let’s add this one to the long list of selectively enforced Laws of the land. Good luck imposing any kind of censorship in the era of the internet.