Restrictions on the use of images of actors using tobacco in cinematographic and theatrical works in Vietnam

Restrictions on the use of images of actors using tobacco in cinematographic and theatrical works in Vietnam

The use of images of actors using tobacco in cinematographic and theatrical productions in Vietnam is prohibited, except in the following cases:

The use of images of actors using tobacco is intended to criticize or condemn actions prohibited under Article 9 and violations of obligations for smokers as stipulated in Article 13 of the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms 2012.

The use of images of actors using tobacco in cinematographic and theatrical productions for artistic purposes in Vietnam is regulated as follows:

* Using images of actors using tobacco in stage productions for artistic purposes

- Using images of actors using tobacco for artistic purposes on stage includes:

+ Depicting historical figures;

+ Recreating a certain historical period;

+ Criticizing or condemning the use of tobacco.

- When using tobacco for artistic purposes, actors do not actually smoke on stage.

* Using images of actors using tobacco in cinematic works for artistic purposes

- Using images of actors using tobacco in cinematic works for artistic purposes includes:

+ The aforementioned cases;

+ Other cases as decided by the competent state authorities based on the proposal of the Film Appraisal and Classification Council.

- In cases where films have many scenes of actors using tobacco as evaluated by the Film Appraisal and Classification Council, the dissemination of these films must ensure the following requirements:

+ Films must be classified according to criteria and execute film classification levels and warnings as stipulated in Circular 05/2023/TT-BVHTTDL.

+ There must be health warnings on the harms of tobacco in text or images.

More details can be found in Circular 14/2024/TT-BVHTTDL effective from January 25, 2025.

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