Vietnam: From May 20, 2023, how many film ratings by age are there? What are the films eligible for dissemination to children? What is the priory applicable to children directly using film viewing services at cinemas?
In 2023, how many film ratings by age in Vietnam are there?
Pursuant to Circular 05/2023/TT-BVHTTDL on film rating criteria and display of film ratings and warnings issued by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism as follows:
According to Article 2 of Circular 05/2023/TT-BVHTTDL, film ratings determined according to the rating criteria defined in Article 3 of Circular 05/2023/TT-BVHTTDL are arranged in ascending order as follows:
- P rated: Eligible for dissemination to viewers of all ages;
- K rated: Eligible for dissemination to viewers under 13 years old, provided that they are with their parents or guardians;
- T13 rated (13+): Eligible for dissemination to viewers from 13 years old or older;
- T16 rated (16+): Eligible for dissemination to viewers from 16 years old or older;
- T18 rated (18+): Eligible for dissemination to viewers from 18 years old or older;
- C rated: Prohibited from dissemination.
Thus, compared to the old regulation, the new regulation has added K-rated films eligible for dissemination to viewers under 13 years old, provided that they are with their parents or guardians.
What are the principles for film rating in Vietnam? What are the film rating criteria?
In Clause 2, Article 3 of Circular 05/2023/TT-BVHTTDL, the film rating in Vietnam shall adhere to the following principles:
- Children and other vulnerable viewers must be protected from content that is inappropriate or likely to have negative impacts;
- Film rating must be based on the manner of expression; specific situations and contexts; interactivity; frequency; duration; level of detail of images, sound, lighting, and dialogue; and the level of impact on viewers, in which the importance of the context and the level of impact on viewers and listeners are priority factors in rating a film;
- A film is rated at a lower level when:
+ Its content is depicted verbally rather than visually;
+ The images of the film have a low level of impact.
- A film is rated at a more stringent level by its content:
+ Contains more details, including close-ups and slow motion;
+ Uses highlighting techniques such as lighting, perspective, and resolution;
+ Uses special effects such as light, sound, noise, resolution, color, image size, characteristics, and tones;
+ Is realistic instead of stylized;
+ Encourages interaction;
+ Has an impact at a level increased by a combination of rating factors.
- A film that is in the middle of the given ratings may be rated at a lower level if it has a way of handling the situation and the situation-handling result conveying an educational and humane message, praising moral and social values, and having positive impacts on viewers.
In Clause 1, Article 3 of Circular 05/2023/TT-BVHTTDL, the film rating criteria are:
- Theme and content;
- Violence;
- Nudity and sex;
- Drugs, stimulants and addictive substances;
- Horror;
- Vulgar language;
- Dangerous and easily imitable behavior.
What is the priory applicable to children directly using film viewing services at cinemas in Vietnam?
- According to Article 9 of Decree 131/2022/ND-CP as follows:
- Vietnamese films shall be screened in cinema systems, especially films celebrating major national holidays and serving political, social, and foreign affairs tasks at the request of competent state agencies.
- Vietnamese films shall be prioritized for screening during the time frame from 6 pm to 10 pm.
- The percentage of Vietnamese film screening sessions in cinema systems shall be conducted according to the following roadmap:
+ Stage 1: From January 1, 2023 to the end of December 31, 2025, ensure at least 15% of the total screening session in a year;
+ Stage 2: From January 1, 2026, ensure at least 20% of the total screening session in a year;
- The time frame for the screening of films for children under 13 years old shall end before 10 pm and before 11 pm for children under 16 years old.
At the same time, Article 10 of Decree 131/2022/ND-CP also stipulates:
- The elderly, the disabled, revolutionary contributors, children, people in especially difficult circumstances, and other subjects as prescribed by law may receive at least a 20% discount on film ticket prices when directly using film viewing services at cinemas.
- People with particularly severe disabilities may be exempted from ticket prices or receive at least a 50% discount on film tickets when directly using film viewing services at cinemas.
Circular 05/2023/TT-BVHTTDL takes effect from May 20, 2023.
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