TNAG-1555-FCO40-2119-Broadcasting-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 289

to assist the Censors in carrying out their statutory duties under the law and to help film producers, distributors and cinema managers to maintain a positive role in their work of making and selecting films for public exhibition in Hong Kong. There can be no rigid rules for film censorship since in the interest of the sensible application of standards each film must be viewed as a whole, within the context of the story and its intent, and not simply by viewing disconnected sequences in isolation. If there were rigid rules they would have to be applied equally to serious films and films made simply for com- mercial exploitation and both responsible film makers and the public would suffer. Inevitably there is a degree of apparent inconsistency and occasionally this is used as an argument against a decision, but the inconsistency is more apparent than real. Where the censor has serious doubts in borderline cases it is better that he should cut or ban the film in order to re-test current policy in the separate Board of Review when the appeal against his decision is heard. It is the principles which are implied by Board of Review decisions which provide the main guidance for the censor as to current changes in taste and interpretation. It is the aim of the censor to reflect in his work what he believes to be contemporary public attitudes. This publication atttempts to reflect in broad terms this approach to the task of censorship. Much of what follows is necessarily of a general nature and may indeed be regarded as an almost self-evident descrip- tion of stories or scenes which could cause offence to sections of the public or be harmful to young people who form a large part of our cinema audiences.

General principles

4.

Films submitted for public exhibiton in Hong Kong are expected to observe the following three basic principles:

(a) ordinary good taste and common sense; (b) respect for the opinions of the public; (c) respect for law and social institutions.

Note: Film producers should pay special attention to the impact

their films may have on young persons who form a large part of Hong Kong cinema audiences. It is not suggested that every film must be suitable for young audiences

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5.

(although more of these productions would be welcome) but where a producer feels he must include violence in his story or some other action which might be particularly harmful to young persons he should include such sequences only after the most careful consideration of his motives for doing so.

In amplification of these principles, a film or any particular part of a film, trailer or advertisement, will not be banned by the censor, unless in his considered opinion there is a likelihood that its showing in a public place would-

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(i) cause deep shock or disgust;

(ii) corrupt morals or encourage crime, particularly crimes of

violence, or encourage the unlawful taking of drugs; (iii) provoke hatred between persons in Hong Kong of differing

race, colour, class, nationality, creed or sectional interest; (iv) unwarrantably offend religious bodies or reputable local

organisations;

(v) bring the impartial administration of justice in Hong Kong

into disrepute;

(vi) provoke hatred or contempt of the Government of Hong

Kong;

| (vii) damage good relations with other territories;

(viii) encourage public disorder.

In assessing whether or not a film infringes these standards the censor will bear in mind that--

(a) films are not classified and although public guidance is given as to which films are considered unsuitable for children, any film (and trailer) may be seen by children or adolescents as well as adults;

(b) what may seem relatively harmless by western standards can

be objectionable to Chinese audiences, and vice versa; (c) each film should be considered as a whole, when judging the

possible effects of individual scenes or items of commentary; (d) a film should not be banned nor a scene cut just because

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