Rejects

If a film or video is thought to be obscene within the meaning of the Obscene Publications Act (OPA) or offends against other provisions of the criminal law such that, in the view of the BBFC, no amount of cutting can make it acceptable, then the work will be refused a certificate. Since cinema licences permit the option of a local certificate, film companies are free to submit their product to any local authority in the hope of a different outcome. A letter of rejection will be sent to the submitting company detailing reasons for the rejection.

Appeals

A company is free to appeal against any decision if it is not satisfied with the classification awarded. This will be to the Director in the first instance, but the President and Vice Presidents adjudicate in all controversial cases. The Video Appeals Committee (VAC) hears reviews against a category thought to be overly restrictive. The most recent rulings were over The Last House on the Left (1972) in 2002 and the video game, Manhunt 2 in 2007.

Complaints from the Public

The BBFC does not receive the volume of complaints routinely dealt with by television companies. All written complaints are responded to by examiners who helped classify the work in question and ,when necessary, the Director himself.

Find out more: Complaints Table

<< Back