The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023:
1. Effective Sanctioning of Films for Exhibition:
- The primary objective of the bill is to enhance and streamline the process of sanctioning films for exhibition. This involves improving the efficiency of the certification and approval process for films to be screened in theaters or distributed to the public.
2. Addressing Film Piracy:
- The bill includes provisions to combat film piracy. Film piracy is a significant challenge for the film industry, leading to revenue losses and undermining the rights of filmmakers. The bill may introduce measures to strengthen anti-piracy efforts, such as stricter penalties for piracy-related activities and better enforcement mechanisms.
3. Introduction of Age-Based Categories of Certification:
- The bill aims to introduce age-based categories of film certification. This means that films will be classified based on age-appropriateness, helping viewers and parents make informed decisions about which films are suitable for different age groups.
- Common categories may include “U” (Universal for all ages), “A” (Adults only), and “UA” (Universal Adult with parental guidance), among others.
4. Removal of Redundant Provisions:
- To modernize and streamline the Cinematograph Act, the bill identifies and removes redundant provisions from the existing law. This simplifies the legal framework, making it more effective and relevant to the contemporary film industry.
5. Enhancing Transparency and Accountability:
- The bill may introduce transparency measures in the certification process, ensuring that decisions regarding film classification and approval are made impartially and in accordance with established criteria.
- Accountability mechanisms may be put in place to monitor the conduct of certification bodies and officials responsible for approving films.
6. Protecting Creative Freedom and Expression:
- While addressing piracy and ensuring appropriate content ratings, the bill is expected to uphold the principles of creative freedom and freedom of expression. Filmmakers should be able to convey their messages and stories without undue censorship, provided they adhere to legal and ethical boundaries.
7. Collaboration with Industry Stakeholders:
- The bill may encourage collaboration between government authorities, filmmakers, distributors, and other industry stakeholders to develop a balanced and effective certification and approval process that considers the interests of all parties.
8. Keeping Pace with Technological Advances:
- The bill may include provisions to adapt the regulatory framework to emerging technologies and distribution methods, such as online streaming platforms. This ensures that films distributed through modern channels are subject to appropriate certification and approval procedures.
9. Public Awareness and Education:
- To inform the public about the film certification system, the bill may require awareness and education campaigns to help viewers understand the age-based categories and make informed choices regarding the films they watch.
In summary, The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023, aims to modernize and improve the process of certifying and approving films for exhibition. It addresses challenges such as film piracy, introduces age-based certification categories, removes outdated provisions, and enhances transparency while preserving creative freedom and expression within the film industry.