ENG-1989 — Page 341

COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MEDIA

Film Industry

Despite the growing popularity of video clubs, the widespread ownership of video cassette recorders and a 12 per cent increase in cinema admission prices, cinema-going remained a popular leisure activity. Attendance in 1989 totalled 59 million, compared with 66 million in 1988. The number of cinemas also increased from 133 in 1988 to 152 in 1989. The new cinemas have about 400-500 seats each. Some complexes comprise several mini-cinemas offering greater choice to cinema-goers.

While imported films continue to be popular, good quality local films are still favoured by most cinema patrons. Locally-produced films totalled 156 (including eight co- productions with other territories), compared with 139 (including four co-productions) in 1988. Action films and comedies continued to dominate the market. The biggest box-office hits for the year included Mr Canton and Lady Rose which grossed $34 million; Mr Coconut ($31.2 million), All About Ah Long ($30.9 million) and Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade ($24.3 million).

Films are classified into three categories: approved for exhibition to persons of any age (Category I); to be advertised as 'not suitable for children' (Category II); and to be exhibited only to people aged 18 years or over (Category III). Classification standards are based on the results of regular surveys of community views. A statutory panel of advisers, comprising about 200 members of the public, assists in the classification process by reflecting community views on the standards which should be adopted.

During the year, 1 771 films intended for public exhibition (including films for cine-clubs and cultural organisations) were submitted for classification. Of these, 232 were classified Category I (two with excisions), 392 Category II (40 with excisions) and 582 Category III (331 with excisions) and 563 were exempted.

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