Electricity Inspection Regulations｜Will the quasi-screening of movies be equivalent to a violation of the National Security Law? Qiu Tenghua: Non-exempt gold medal

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Written by: Chen Shuxia

2021-07-12 18:29

Last update date: 2021-07-12 18:32

The government earlier amended the guidelines of the "Film Censorship Ordinance". When reviewing films being shown, if inspectors find that the content may constitute a crime that endangers national security, they should conclude that they are not suitable for screening.

The Legislative Council’s Information Technology and Broadcasting Committee meeting today (12th) discussed the situation of the censorship system. Many Members are concerned about how to deal with a film that is found to be in violation of the National Security Law after being submitted for censorship and approved for release. Equivalent to "exemption".

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Yau Tenghua, responded that the Office of the Electricity Procuratorate is responsible for film inspection and rating. If crimes other than those involved in the Electricity Inspection Ordinance are involved, it falls under the jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies.

He emphasized that even if the film is approved by the Electricity Censorship Office, "it can't be a death-free gold medal."

The government announced earlier to amend the guidelines for the Film Censorship Ordinance, which was gazetted on the 11th of last month.

When reviewing films, the inspector must consider from the perspective of national security. If the film is likely to constitute a crime that endangers national security, and the impact on the audience may endanger national security or endanger the maintenance of national security, the inspector should conclude that the film is not suitable for screening. in conclusion.

Qiu Tenghua: I believe film workers are willing to take social responsibility

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Yau Tenghua, emphasized at the meeting that the revised guidelines are in response to the implementation of the "Hong Kong National Security Act" and do not affect the public's freedom of film appreciation or creation. He has already met with the film industry and answered questions.

He also quoted that the industry’s main concern at the conference was whether there would be ambiguities during filming. He believed that the “red line” specifically defined by the authorities should be helpful to the industry. He also believed that all film workers include investors, directors and frontliners. Willing to take social responsibility and jointly safeguard national security.

Qiu Tenghua pointed out that even if the film is submitted for inspection and approved for public release, it does not mean that it has won a "death-free gold medal" that violates the national security law.

(Photo by Liang Pengwei)

The Legislative Council Member of Sports, Performing Arts, Culture and Publishing, Ma Fengguo, and Member of Wholesale and Retail, Mr. Siu Ka-fai, asked the power of the Electric Procuratorate. They asked if the film was approved for screening by the Electricity Prosecutor’s Office, if the contents of the film were found to be in violation of the National Security Council Law, is it equivalent to exemption?

Qiu Tenghua pointed out that the two are completely different. The Office of the Electricity Procuratorate is responsible for film inspection and rating. If any film work involves violations of the National Security Law, it falls under the jurisdiction of the law enforcement agency. However, he emphasized that even if the film is submitted for review, "it can’t be done without death." gold medal."

Ma Fengguo, Member of the Legislative Council for Sports, Performing Arts, Culture and Publishing (Photo by Leung Pengwei)

Liang Zhuowen: Will it be a person, or a half-person will make their own decisions

Many members are also concerned about the inspector’s ability to control and whether they are sufficiently politically sensitive. The Permanent Secretary of the Bureau of Commerce and Economics, Leung Cheuk-man, pointed out that the inspector is a civil servant and belongs to the entertainment management grade, and his work also involves broadcasting-related work.

He also pointed out that the inspectors review more than 200 films each year and have "experience in watching movies". They will receive relevant training in response to the entry into force of the National Security Law. If necessary, they can also seek advice from the Department of Justice. If policy support is needed, they can consult the Bureau of Commerce and Economics. , "Will it be a person, or a half-person decides for themselves."

Some members think that the dissemination power of films shown on the Internet is more extensive, but there is no regulation at present. Qiu Tenghua pointed out that the current electronic censorship system covers publicly shown films. If it is necessary to further include net films for review, "could it be." Do it? Do you need it?" He thinks that the society needs to discuss it. Qiu Jiahui pointed out that the speed of the spread of Internet movies is much faster than that of movie theaters. He believes that the Hong Kong government needs to adopt new ideas and seriously study the regulation of Internet movies.

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