BBFC PASSES DESTRICTED '18' FOR ADULT AUDIENCES (04.07.06)

The BBFC has classified as ‘18’ uncut a work which is a compilation of seven short films looking at the nature of sexual imagery and pornography.  Destricted brings together the work of seven directors including Gaspar Noe, Sam Taylor-Wood and Larry Clark.  Because Destricted is concerned with the nature of sexual imagery and pornography it contains explicit sequences which would normally be restricted to the ‘R18’ category.  However, unlike ‘R18’ works the intent behind Destricted is not to arouse the viewer sexually and its look and the feel is very different from pornographic works.  

The BBFC Guidelines for ‘18’ rated works state that the more explicit images of sexual activity will not be allowed unless they can be exceptionally justified by context and the work is not a sex work whose primary purpose is sexual arousal.  If the sexual imagery is exceptionally justified by context the Board does not place restrictions on the length of any such sequences.  
The work was considered by the President, Sir Quentin Thomas and the two Vice Presidents, Janet Lewis-Jones and Lord Taylor of Warwick.  Sir Quentin said:

"This is a difficult work in classification terms and in other ways. This degree of sexually explicit material would normally be found, in accordance with our published Guidelines, only in a sex work – that is, one aimed at sexual stimulation – which this is not.  But, as the Guidelines also recognise, there may be exceptions justified by context. This is one of them. In purpose and effect, this work is plainly a serious consideration of sex and pornography as aspects of the human experience. We think there are no grounds in this case for depriving adults of the ability to decide themselves whether they want to see it.”

The film by Gaspar Noé contains strobe effects which could affect people suffering with epilepsy so the Board has asked the distributor to include a warning at the beginning of the whole work and not just before the particular film.  The Board also sought proof of age of one of the actresses in this film.

BBFC PRESIDENT CALLS FOR FORUM TO CONSIDER NEW MEDIA REGULATION (18.05.06)

In light of the rapidly growing range of audio visual content on offer via a range of media, the President of the BBFC, Sir Quentin Thomas, has called on the Government to bring together  commercial and creative interests along with those operating the regulatory regimes to consider how best to provide the public with the information they need to choose which content they wish to consume and how to protect children and vulnerable people from harm. 

Writing in his introduction to the BBFC’s Annual Report Sir Quentin said:
“As the audio visual content on offer to the public grows rapidly, with a marked diversity in the nature of the medium and in the means of delivery or access, it is perhaps not surprising that some observers of this dynamic but confusing scene conclude that there is little future for regulation and the attempt to maintain it seems like attempting to shut the stable door when the horse has bolted.  At the BBFC we do not share this view.”
 
The BBFC’s Director David Cooke said:
“We are putting a good deal of effort into researching, and speaking to others about, the implications of the growth of new media for our system of regulation.  We do not argue for regulation except where it is genuinely needed.  But effective regulation has clear benefits:  the prevention of harm; enabling informed choices; creating a safe environment within which to enjoy creative content.  We regularly see and deal with material, whether so-called ‘extreme reality’, abusive pornography, or simply content which is unsuitable for the age group to whom it is addressed, where our intervention is clearly necessary.  No-one should assume that such material will be confined to established platforms such as film and DVD.  Whether in a regulatory or an advisory capacity, we believe we have unique expertise and experience to offer.”

Sir Quentin said:
“There is no doubt that regulation must serve a relevant social purpose, and not needlessly be an impediment between the customer and the services available.  Regulatory regimes must command and sustain public confidence and be fit for purpose.  There is good reason for thinking that because of the nature of audio visual product and its potential impact the public is likely to expect some oversight, particularly with a view to the protection of children.  We believe that there is also a strong commercial interest in demonstrating that product in this field meets accepted standards.  Nonetheless, the rapidly shifting nature of the media scene, with new technological possibilities means that these issues need to be kept under review.  We welcome the enquiry by the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee into new media and the creative industries and would welcome the establishment of a forum perhaps under the auspices of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to advance consideration of these issues.”

The BBFC 2005 Annual Report includes the accounts for the year along with information about the work of the Board during the year.  Copies of the Annual Report can be obtained from the BBFC, 3 Soho Square, London W1D 3HD or download here.

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