ENG-1991 — Page 358

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COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MEDIA

Film Industry

Despite the popularity of video clubs and the widespread ownership of video cassette recorders, cinema-going remained a popular leisure activity. Attendance in 1991 totalled 52 million, compared with 57 million in 1990. The number of cinemas increased from 161 in 1990 to 166 in 1991. Some complexes contain several mini-cinemas, offering greater choice to cinema-goers.

While imported films continued to be popular, good quality local films were still favoured. During the year, locally-produced films totalled 211 (including four co- productions), compared with 247 (including nine co-productions) in 1990. Action films and comedies continued to dominate the market. The biggest box-office hits for the year included Fight Back to School which grossed $43.8 million; God of Gamblers II ($40.3 million), Armour of God II - Operation Condor ($39.1 million) and To Be Number One ($38.7 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 above (Category III). Classification standards are based on the results of regular surveys of community views. A statutory panel of advisers, comprising about 200 members drawn from a wide cross-section of the community, assists in the classification process.

During the year, 1337 films intended for public exhibition were submitted for classification compared with 1 294 in 1990. Of these, 273 were classified Category I (one with excisions), 501 Category II (29 with excisions) and 563 Category III (400 with excisions). A total of 5 286 items including video tapes, slides and laser discs were exempted from classification.