Advertisement
National security law: Hong Kong censors told to ban films that breach Beijing-imposed legislation
- Under new guidelines, censors must determine whether films support or promote acts of subversion, secession, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces
- But some industry figures warn creativity could suffer in industry once known as ‘Hollywood of the Far East’
Reading Time:4 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
44
Hong Kong filmmakers will have to toe a new line under the national security law, with official censors now authorised to ban movies that breach the Beijing-imposed legislation.
Advertisement
According to amended guidelines gazetted on Friday for censors under the Film Censorship Ordinance, public screening of films will not be allowed if they are found to be “endorsing, supporting, promoting, glorifying or inciting” acts of subversion, secession, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces.
Some film professionals and commentators raised concerns about the implications of the new policy on the film sector, suggesting that creativity and freedom of expression would suffer in an industry once dubbed the “Hollywood of the Far East” being subject to the same political restraints as in mainland China.
YouTube video player
The cultural and creative sectors have been targeted by pro-Beijing politicians and media as part of a campaign against those seen as supporting the anti-government protests of 2019.
Advertisement
Advertisement