BBFC Certification

1. By Dilini Gorsia

2. The British Board of Film Classification is an independent body that
was set up by the film industry to categorise cinema films as age
appropriate. There are seven classifications to class the films into,
these are: U, PG, 12A, 12, 18 and R18. Cinema releases are
classified by at least two examiners who follow specific guidelines
which include, whether the film is in breach of the law; whether the
film suggests immoral and desensitising views; whether the film
conducts, in any way, cruelty to animals and whether the film
condones drug taking/violence etc.
Our film would be rated a 15 certification as it shows scenes of strong
violence, language and threat; portraying scenes with dark,
unsettling tones which would disturb younger viewers. However, our
film will not be rated an 18 certification as the film does not include
frequent strong language, strong use of blood and gore nor
extremely strong violence that is portrayed in great detail.

3.  The darkness includes a level of activity that may leave the
audience feeling anxious and scared. Therefore as a group we have
evaluated the film and given it a certification of 15. we have decided
that it is likely that children under the age of 15 wont be able to
handle the surroundings or understand the concept of the film.
 Even though our film doesn’t contain any sexual activity in any
scenes viewed, it still contains action which young children may find
distressing, especially if they’re being viewed alone. So, in order to
prevent any issues we decided to use the age 15 certification.

4. In order to be classified as a 15 certificate, the work must not support
language or behaviour that conveys ideas of discrimination. Also,
drugs shown within the film cannot encourage drug use or misuse.
Sexualised threats are not allowed however, strong threat or danger
can be shown within a 15 rated film. The amount of threat and what
it consists of is constricted for this age classification as imitable
behaviour such as, hanging, suicide or self-harming could influence
younger viewers if demonstrated in detail. Violence induced may be
strong as well although strong gory images are likely to be
unaccepted. The language within the film may have regular use of
strong language though; stronger expressions need to be justified
by the context. Sexual activity may be indicated without strong detail
and references to sexual behaviour may be permitted whereas
nudity can be shown but not in great detail.