Board of Film Censors Classification Guidelines

BOARD OF FILM CENSORS CLASSIFICATION GUIDELINES =Preamble= 1. These Guidelines have been prepared to raise awareness and understanding of the  Board's  film  classification  process. This is  not  a  legal  document  and  is  not intended to  limit  in  any  way  the  Board's  exercise  of  functions  under  the  Films  Act (Cap 107). While care  has  been  taken  to  define  the  content  concerns  and classification categories,  the  Board  reserves  the  right  to  classify  any  film  in  such manner as it deems fit. 2. The  following  guidelines  serve  as  a  basis  for  classifying  films,  drama, documentaries and  TV  series  on  free-to-air  TV,  subscription  TV  and  video-on-demand. It will enable subscription TV and free-to-air TV to adopt the same ratings for films which have been classified by the BFC for the cinemas and video release. =Introduction= 3. Classification Guidelines aim to reflect community standards, while ensuring that due consideration is given to the film’s artistic, educational or literary merit. The purpose of  classification  is  to  protect  the  young  while  allowing  more  choice  for adults. 4. When  making  a  classification  decision  for  a  film,  the  Board  takes  careful consideration of the film’s content as well as all other relevant factors and concerns. The description  of  each  of  the  classification  categories  and  the  indication  of  the suitable audience  in  terms  of  age  may  be  found  in  these  guidelines. To clarify  the usage of words in the guidelines, a glossary of terms is included. 5. There are six ratings in film classification. They are: 6. G, PG and PG13 categories are advisory ratings while NC16, M18 and R21 are enforceable by  law. Cinema operators  are  required  to  obtain  a  licence  to  screen NC16, M18 or R21 films. They should ensure that the age restriction is enforced. 7. In exceptional cases, a film may not be allowed for all ratings (NAR) when the content of  the  film  undermines  national  interest  or  erodes  the  moral  fabric  of society. =General Principles= 8. In  general,  the  Board’s  classification  decisions  are  guided  by  the  following principles/considerations:
 * G  - General
 * PG  - Parental Guidance
 * PG13 - Parental Guidance for Children below 13
 * NC16  - No Children below 16 years of age
 * M18  - Mature 18, for persons 18 years and above
 * R21 - Restricted to persons 21 years and above
 * Generally accepted social mores
 * Need to protect the young
 * Racial/religious harmony
 * National interest
 * Treatment of theme, content and context
 * Evaluation of impact

Generally Accepted Social Mores
Films screened  must  be  sensitive  to  community  standards  of  morality  and decency, as well as social norms acceptable to the general public.

Need to Protect the Young
For the lower ratings, particular attention will be paid to content that may be harmful to or unsuitable for the young.

Racial/Religious Harmony
As Singapore is a multi-racial and multi-religious society, films that denigrate any racial or religious group, or create misunderstanding or disharmony amongst the races are not allowed for all ratings.

National Interest
Films deemed  to  undermine  public  order,  national  security  and/or  stability  will be disallowed for all ratings.

Treatment of Theme, Content and Context
How a  film  is  classified  depends  on  its  theme  or  message,  presentation  of content, and the context in which scenes are presented.

Evaluation of Impact
The impact  of  a  film  or  a  scene  will  be  evaluated  based  on  the  presentation, duration, frequency,  degree  of  visual  and  audio  details,  and  their  cumulative effect. The impact may be stronger where a scene: In addition, films produced in a 3D format heighten the viewing experience and will be assessed for impact. They may be considered for a higher rating. 10. In classifying films, due consideration will be given to the artistic, educational or literary merit of the film. =Major Content Concerns= 11. This  part  of  the  guidelines  spells  out  content  concerns  that  are  applied  in different degrees at all classification levels. The seven major content concerns are:
 * Is shown in greater detail; uses close-ups and slow motion
 * Uses special effects such as lighting, sound, colour, or size of image to heighten emotions
 * Is prolonged and/or frequent
 * Is more explicit than implied
 * Is realistic rather than stylised
 * Is one in which the local audience can identify with
 * Is visual rather than verbal or written.


 * Theme
 * Violence
 * Nudity
 * Sex
 * Language
 * Drug Use
 * Horror

Theme and Message
The theme  (subject  matter  or  topic)  and  message  are  important  in  the classification of  a  film. The acceptability  of  a  theme  is  determined  by  its suitability and  treatment  i.e.  the  way  it  is  presented  and  the  context  in  which scenes are  presented. Suitability and  treatment  of  a  theme  is  especially important for  the  lower  classification  ratings  as  they  have  an  impact  on  the young. Films dealing  with  mature  content  (e.g.  drug  use,  prostitution  or homosexuality) would generally be classified as NC16, M18 or R21.

Violence
(i) The  depiction  of  violence  may  frighten,  unnerve,  unsettle  or  invite imitation, especially  from  children. Therefore, only  mild  portrayals  that are relevant  to  the  plot  may  be allowed  in  films  meant  for  children. For the higher classifications, a stronger depiction of violence is permitted if it is justified by context. (ii) The concerns in violence are: pain and violence; assault /coercion.
 * Depiction of graphic/gratuitous violence
 * Normalising the use of violence as a solution to resolve problems;
 * Depiction of violent gangster behaviour (e.g. self mutilation rites);
 * Emphasis on  violent  techniques/acts  (e.g.  methods  of  torture,  gang fights, combat techniques);
 * Encouraging aggressive  and  sadistic  attitudes  towards  infliction  of
 * Explicit and  prolonged  sexual  violence  or  erotic  portrayal  of  sexual

Nudity
Nudity is  not  allowed  for  a  G  rating. Rear nudity  is  allowed  in  PG  films  if  it  is discreet,  justified  by  context  and  not  meant  to  titillate. Side nudity  in  a  non-sexual context is allowed under PG13. Upper body frontal nudity in a non-sexual context is  allowed  under  NC16. Full frontal  nudity  may  be  allowed  for  M18  or R21, if it is justified by context and without gratuitous close-ups. Nudity featured in health programs such as breast-feeding can be rated PG, PG13 or NC16  depending  on  its  portrayal  and  treatment. More explicit  portrayals including child birth could be given a higher rating.

Sex
The level  of  sexual  activity  allowed  on  screen  depends  on  the  explicitness  and frequency of the activity, its relevance to the storyline and the target audience. Generally, depictions of sexual activity are not allowed for G, PG, PG13 and NC16. Scenes depicting  sexual  activities  such  as  sado-masochism,  bondage  or  sexual violence will be subject to strict review and may only be allowed under a higher rating, depending on the treatment and context. The content should also not be gratuitous or excessive. Films likely  to  encourage  deviant  sexual  activities  such  as  pedophilia,  bestiality and necrophilia are not allowed for all ratings. . Films that depict a homosexual lifestyle should be sensitive to community values. They should  not,  promote  or  justify  a  homosexual  lifestyle. However, non-exploitative and non-explicit depictions of sexual activity between two persons of the same gender may be considered for R21. Content considered to be pornographic or obscene in nature is not allowed for all ratings.

Language
Coarse language and gestures with sexual connotations are not allowed in G films as they  are  easily  imitated  by  young  children. In PG13  films,  expletives  such  as ‘fuck’  may  be  permitted  if  infrequent. Stronger language  is  acceptable  in  NC16 films. When classifying M18 and R21 films, consideration would be given to the degree of offensiveness (i.e. vulgarity and religious association) and frequency of such language. Films with  dialect  content  are  allowed  on  a  case-by-case  basis. Chinese films meant for  theatrical  release  should  generally  be  in  Mandarin,  in  line  with  the Speak Mandarin Campaign.

Drug Use
Clear, instructive details are not allowed in G, PG and PG13 films as they can be imitated by  the  younger  audience. Such scenes  are  more  acceptable  for  higher ratings if  they  are  justifiable  by  context. Portrayals glamorising  or  encouraging the use of illegal drugs are not allowed for all ratings. .

Horror
Classification of  horror  films  will  take  into  consideration  the  impact  and  shock effect of  such  films  to  ensure  that  younger  audiences  are  protected  from disturbing materials. =Documentaries= 12. Documentaries  will  be  classified  in  accordance  with  the  general  principles and content  concerns  expressed  in  this  document. If the  information/content  is distorted  or  misrepresented,  or  requires  maturity  to  comprehend  and  discern  the message and/or intent, the documentary may be given a higher rating. =Consumer Advice 13. Film ratings are usually accompanied by consumer advice. Films classified PG may be given consumer advice where necessary, for example, in the case of violence. Films rated PG13, NC16, M18 and R21 must carry consumer advice. 14. Rating  and  consumer  advice  must  be  clearly  visible  and  legible  in  publicity materials including website synopses, advertisements in newspapers and magazines. This is  to  provide  more  information  for  consumers  to  make  informed  decisions. It also serves as a guide to parents about the suitability of a film for their children. =Trailers= 15. All  trailers  of  films  must  be  submitted  for  classification. Where the  trailer content is  not  suitable  for  a  general  audience,  a  higher  rating  will  be  imposed. Trailers classified as NC16 and above can only be exhibited to persons who meet the stipulated age requirement. 16. Trailers rated PG13 should not be shown prior to a G-rated or PG-rated film, or in public places such as video walls. 17. Trailers of NC16 and M18-rated films may be screened during films of a lower rating and/or at cinema lobbies and at video walls. However, in all cases, the content should be  suitable  for  a  general  audience,  including  children. Trailers for  R21  films can only  be  shown  before  films  of  the  same  rating. Film distributors  should  also observe any conditions imposed by the BFC on the screening of the trailers. =Publicity Materials= 18. To avoid offending unsolicited viewers and attracting the under-aged, stricter content standards are applied to publicity materials. These materials include posters, banners or billboards displayed in public places, advertisements in newspapers and magazines. Publicity materials for all ratings should conform to community standards and should  not  offend  the  general  public. Detailed guidelines  for  print  publicity materials are available on the MDA website at http://www.mda.gov.sg/wms.ftp/filmguidelines_promo_materials.pdf. 19. Once  a  film  is  classified,  posters  displayed  at  public  places  should  clearly display the rating and consumer advice. The display of posters and banners for R21 films should be restricted to cinemas licensed to exhibit R21 films. More sensitivity should also  be  exercised  in  the  dissemination  of  publicity  materials  for  films  in  the lower rating  categories  as  they  can  be  displayed  in  public  places  where  young audiences are exposed to them. =Periodic Review and Implementation of Guidelines= 20. The  Board  will  continue  to  review  guidelines  periodically  in  the  light  of changes in lifestyle, public expectations and concerns. 15 July 2011 =GLOSSARY OF TERMS= Coarse language: Crude and/or offensive language lacking refinement or taste. Denigrate: To belittle or distort in a negative way the character of a person/race/religion Depiction: Representation, and/or portrayal on screen. Detail: Treatment of or attention given to the amount of audio or visual information in the representation of a subject. Detail can  include  close-ups,  repeated,  prolonged  or slow motion visuals. Deviant sex: Sexual  behaviour  or  activities  that  are  not  considered socially acceptable. Examples are  paedophilia, bestiality, necrophilia and orgies. Discreet: Subtle, not explicit, lacking in details and close-ups. Disturbing: Upsetting or troubling. Drug abuse: Improper or excessive use of drugs. Excessive: Beyond reasonable limits, especially in terms of detail, duration or frequency. Expletive: An  exclamatory  word  or  phrase  that  is  obscene  or profane. Explicit Language  or  depiction  with  strong  details,  usually relating to sex and violence. Exploitative: Appearing to take  advantage of or abuse the situation for the  enjoyment  of  viewers  or  for  sensationalism; lacking moral, artistic, or other values. Fetish: An  object,  an  action  or  a  non-sexual  part  of  the  body which gives sexual gratification. Gratuitous: Materials  which  are  unwarranted  or  uncalled  for,  and included without the justification of a defensible story-line or artistic merit. Horror: A  strong  feeling  of  fear  or  distress  that  is  inspired  by images or acts that are frightful and shocking. Implied: Depiction  of  a  subject  in  which  an  act  or  thing  is inferred or indicated without actually being seen. Incite: To stir up or provoke strong emotions and actions. Intensity: The degree or extent to which a subject matter is acute or strong  (The  intensity  of  a  scene  depends  on  the duration,  the  audio/visual  effects,  language,  context and the proximity from which the shot was taken). Justified by context: Where  the  depiction  is  relevant  and  necessary  for  the integrity and continuity of the film. Mature themes: Issues  dealing  with  adult  life,  including  adultery, alternative lifestyles,  promiscuity,  suicide,  drug dependency, etc. Moderate: Depiction  that  features  some  details  and  may  have some impact  that  is  kept  within  reasonable  limits, which is generally acceptable. Nudity: Nudity can consist of frontal or rear nudity, above and below the waist for both sexes. It is determined by the details of  nudity  shown,  and  also  by  other  factors including the  duration  of  visuals,  repetition,  close-up shots and clarity. Offensive: Material that causes outrage or disgust to most people. Pornography: The  depiction  of  erotic  behaviour  intended  to  cause sexual excitement. Sexual activity: An act performed with another for sexual gratification. May include foreplay. Sexual Connotation: Words or gestures that imply sexual activity. Sexual violence: The  act  of  sexual  assault  or  aggression,  in  which  the victim does not consent e.g. rape. Sexual simulation: Imitation or enactment of sexual activity that is not real but looks realistic. Strong: Detailed  depiction  likely  to  have  high  impact  on viewers. Suggestion: Mild, discreet treatment of a subject in which an act or object is hinted at, generally through discreet manner, rather than the whole picture. Tone: The  quality  of  mood,  such  as  sadness,  humour, menace, lightness, or seriousness. Transvestism: The lifestyle in which a  person adopts  the clothes and behaviour of  the  opposite  sex  for  purposes  of emotional or sexual gratification. Treatment:     The way in which material is handled or presented. =CLASSIFIABLE ELEMENTS= How a  film  is  rated  depends  on  seven  classifiable  elements:  theme,  violence,  sex, nudity, language, drug and substance abuse, and horror.

=Theme= G Themes are suitable for viewers of all ages. Content should promote positive social values e.g. family bonding, respect for the elders. PG Themes should be suitable for children below 13 years. Themes should generally have a low sense of threat or menace, and be justifiable by context. Special attention should be paid to their Impact on children. Crime, violence, juvenile delinquency and promiscuity should not be glamorised or promoted. PG13 Themes should be suitable for young teens between 13 and 15. Darker themes can be allowed. Crime, violence, juvenile delinquency, and promiscuity should not be glamorised or promoted. NC16 Portrayal of mature themes (e.g. gangsterism and transvestism) may be allowed, provided they are treated with discretion and appropriate to those 16 years and above. M18 Stronger portrayal and exploration of mature themes are allowed. Homosexual theme/content as a sub-plot may be permitted, if discreet in treatment and not gratuitous. R21 Stronger and more explicit portrayal and exploration of mature themes are allowed. Films that portray, as a main theme, same-sex marriages or parenting will be subject to strict review. NAR Themes that promote issues that denigrate any race or religion, or undermine national interest will not be allowed. Themes that glorify undesirable fetishes or behaviour (e.g. paedophilia and bestiality) are not allowed. Promotion or glamorisation of homosexual lifestyle.

=Violence= G Mild portrayals of violence are allowed. The occasional mild threat or menace is acceptable if justified by context. No portrayals of dangerous or harmful behaviour that can be easily imitated by children. PG Moderate portrayals of violence without details, may be allowed, if justified by context. Portrayals of violence should not dwell on cruelty, infliction of pain or torture of any kind. PG13 Moderate portrayals of violence with some details, may be allowed, if justified by context. Portrayals of violence can include some infliction of pain and injury but should not be detailed, intense or prolonged. NC16 The portrayal of infliction of pain and injuries may be allowed with some details of blood and gore but should not be prolonged or frequent. Explicit sexual violence is not allowed. M18 Realistic depiction of violence and gore with strong impact is allowed if justified by context. However, the portrayal should not be excessive, gratuitous or exploitative. Stronger portrayals of sexual violence may be allowed if justified by context, infrequent or without strong details. R21 Strong and realistic depictions of violence and gore are allowed if justified by context. Depiction of torture can be allowed, if not exploitative or gratuitous. NAR Detailed or gratuitous depictions of extreme violence or cruelty. Detailed instructions on methods of crime or killings. =Sex= G No sexual activity is allowed. Portrayals of affection (e.g. brief kissing) can be allowed. PG Sexual activity may be implied, and should be infrequent. Only mild displays of affection (e.g. kissing and caressing) and mild sexual innuendoes are allowed. PG13 Sexual activity may be implied, and should be infrequent and brief. Sexual humour can be allowed. Sexual innuendoes, crude hand gestures and sexual imagery can be allowed if mild and infrequent. NC16 Non-explicit depiction of sexual activities may be allowed but should not be detailed or prolonged. M18 Sexual activity may be portrayed if justified by context, infrequent and without strong details. Depiction of occasional, mild sexual activity (i.e. kissing and hugging) between persons of the same gender may be permitted if justified by context and not gratuitous. Sexual violence may be allowed if justified by context, infrequent and without strong details. R21 Simulated sexual activities are allowed if they are not excessive. Explicit images of sexual activity (e.g. masturbation, fellatio and sexual act) need to be justified by context. Explicit portrayals of sex between persons of the same gender are not allowed. Films likely to encourage an interest in abusive or unnatural sexual activity (e.g. paedophilia, incest and anal sex) are not permitted. Films with themes involving deviant sexual activities (e.g. sadomasochism, bondage, orgies or sex involving violence) will be subject to strict review and are likely to be disallowed. NAR Exploitative or pornographic sexual acts. Depictions of obscene and/or unnatural sexual activities (e.g. bestiality, necrophilia and paedophilia). Real sexual activities (e.g. actual penetration, actual ejaculation). Gratuitous, exploitative or offensive depictions or sexual activity including fetishes or practices which are offensive or abhorrent. =Nudity= G There should be no nudity. PG Discreet portrayal of back nudity is allowed if it is brief and in a non-sexual context. Full frontal and side nudity is not allowed. PG13 Discreet and fleeting side profile nudity may be allowed in a non-sexual context. Full frontal nudity is not allowed. However, infrequent portrayal of female frontal nudity of the upper body may be allowed only under exceptional circumstances and in a non-sexual context. For example, films which feature historical or dramatised events such as the World War II Holocaust, tribal ways of life, or health programmes. NC16 Infrequent, brief and discreet portrayal of female upper body frontal nudity may be allowed in a non-sexual context. M18 Full frontal nudity with moderate detail is acceptable if justified by context, and not excessive. No close up of genitalia is allowed. R21 Full nudity is permitted but should not be excessive. Close ups of genitalia should be contextually justifiable. NAR Exploitative and excessive nudity. =Language= G No coarse language is allowed. PG Infrequent coarse language is allowed if it is relevant and justified by context. Examples are "bitch" and “asshole”. PG13 The word "f**k" is allowed if used infrequently. NC16 Infrequent use of expletives such as “motherf**ker”, “cunt”, "chee bye", "lan jiao", "puki mak” and "pundai" may be allowed if justified by context and not impactful.  Coarse language which offends community and cultural sensitivities should not be allowed (e.g. "kan ni na lao bu“). Continued aggressive use of strong language and verbal sexual abuse is unacceptable. M18 Coarse language is allowed if it is not excessive. R21 Frequent use of strong coarse language may be allowed. NAR Language that denigrates religion or is religiously profane (e.g. Jesus F**king Christ). =Drug and Substance Abuse= G No references to illegal drugs or drug abuse. Content meant for children should not promote consumption of alcohol and tobacco products. PG Only discreet references to illegal drug use are allowed on the condition that such references do not promote or endorse drug abuse and should be justified by context. Content targeted at children should not promote consumption of alcohol and tobacco products. PG13 Only discreet depictions of illegal drug use are allowed on the condition that such depictions do not promote or endorse drug abuse and should be justified by context. Content targeted at children should not promote consumption of alcohol and tobacco products. NC16 Drug taking may be allowed if brief and infrequent. The film must not promote or encourage drug and substance abuse. M18 Drug taking may be allowed with some details. The film must not promote or encourage drug and substance abuse. R21 Drug taking sequences may be allowed but instructive details of illegal drug use are not allowed. The film must not promote or encourage drug and substance abuse. NAR Materials glorifying or encouraging drug and substance abuse. Detailed and instructive depiction of illegal drug use. =Horror= G Treatment of horror should not be too realistic, or threatening, as it is likely to cause fear and anxiety among children. Horror tinged with humour may reduce the impact. Scenes of horror should be mild and not psychologically disturbing. PG Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Horror tinged with humour and in a fantasy setting may be mitigating factors. PG13 Depiction of horror can be more realistic and intense. NC16 Films with disturbing or gory scenes without strong details may be allowed. Frightening scenes which are more prolonged may be allowed. M18 Prolonged and/or intense sequences that invoke fear and/or terror may be permitted. R21 Depiction of intense horror, and sustained threat or menace may be permitted if contextually justified. Portrayals of extreme abhorrent activity that may offend and cause great discomfort may be disallowed. NAR N.A.

=See also=


 * Singapore gay censorship

=References=


 * Downloadable PDF of "Board of Film Censors Classification Guidelines" from the Media Development Authority website: