Vietnam: Who is subject to P-rated films? What are the specific criteria for P-rated films?
What are the principles for displaying film ratings in Vietnam?
Pursuant to Clause 1, Article 4 of Circular 05/2023/TT-BVHTTDL, the principles for displaying film ratings in Vietnam are:
- The rating of a film, except a P-rated film, must be displayed when the film is disseminated;
- The display of a film rating must ensure that information about the film rating and warning content is provided for a period of time sufficient for the viewer to receive information;
- For films that are disseminated in the cinemas; at the headquarters of foreign diplomatic missions and cultural establishments set up in Vietnam; films that are disseminated on public means and other audio-visual media, cinema establishments must display their ratings on:
+ Screens,
+ Websites,
+ Online ticketing applications,
+ Ticket counters, and
+ In other suitable manners;
- For films that are disseminated on television and in cyberspace, cinema establishments must clearly and prominently display their ratings in the program introduction/display folder on the device's screen interface in order for listeners and viewers to make a decision to listen to and watch the films provided on the service;
The rating must continuously appear in the upper left or right corner of the screen during the film dissemination duration, ensuring that it does not overlap with service or other icons.
What are the principles for displaying film warnings in Vietnam?
Pursuant to Clause 2, Article 4 of Circular 05/2023/TT-BVHTTDL, the principles for displaying film warnings in Vietnam are:
- Warnings must be displayed before and during the dissemination of films;
- Warnings must be displayed by using one or more appropriate methods, including but not limited to verbal or written warnings;
- For films that are disseminated in the cinemas; at the headquarters of foreign diplomatic missions and cultural establishments set up in Vietnam; films that are disseminated on public means and other audio-visual media: Display a written or verbal warning before the dissemination, right below the rating icon for the disseminated film.
- For films that are disseminated on television and in cyberspace: Play a written or verbal warning at least three seconds after the dissemination, right below the rating icon for the disseminated film; up to three times during the dissemination of a film with a duration of 20 minutes or more.
Who is subject to P-rated films in Vietnam?
Pursuant to Article 2 of Circular 05/2023/TT-BVHTTDL as follows:
Film ratings
Film ratings determined according to the rating criteria defined in Article 3 herein are arranged in ascending order as follows:
1. P rated: Eligible for dissemination to viewers of all ages;
2. K rated: Eligible for dissemination to viewers under 13 years old, provided that they are with their parents or guardians;
3. T13 rated (13+): Eligible for dissemination to viewers from 13 years old or older;
4. T16 rated (16+): Eligible for dissemination to viewers from 16 years old or older;
5. T18 rated (18+): Eligible for dissemination to viewers from 18 years old or older;
6. C rated: Prohibited from dissemination.
Thus, P-rated films in Vietnam are eligible for dissemination to viewers of all ages.
What are the criteria for P-rated films in Vietnam?
Pursuant to Section II specified in the Appendix promulgated together with Circular 05/2023/TT-BVHTTDL, the criteria for P-rated films in Vietnam are:
(1) Theme and content
The film to be rated is of an educational or entertaining nature or encourages moral values and positive social relations.
(2) Violence
- Images, sounds, or language showing scenes of threatening, intimidating or beating other people are not allowed, except if such images, sounds, or language are fitted into the content of the film to be rated; the depiction is mild; the exploration is not deep; and a level of impact on viewers is low;
- Depiction of sexual violence is not allowed.
(3) Nudity and sex
- Images showing nudity, or images, sounds, or language depicting sexual activities are not accepted;
- Films with special content and themes, such as historical or documentary films about wars or genocide; science-education films, or films related to health or health care, ways of life of natives, indigenous people or ethnic minorities, customs or habits of the countries or territories introduced in these films, may contain images showing back views of half-naked characters provided that the depiction is mild; the occurrence is not regular; and the duration is not lengthened.
(4) Drugs, stimulants and addictive substances
Images, sounds, or language depicting the use of drugs, stimulants or addictive substances are not allowed.
(5) Horror
Images, sounds or language of horror are not allowed.
(6) Vulgar language
Rude or vulgar images, sounds or language are not allowed.
(7) Dangerous and easily imitable behaviors
Images, sounds, or language that encourage or incite children to imitate actions in films, such as drug use; suicide; school violence; weapon use; or other illegal acts.
Circular 05/2023/TT-BVHTTDL takes effect from May 20, 2023.
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