The Film Censorship Board (FCB) has reminded movie-goers to take the time to know the ratings for films or movies to ensure they are appropriate for viewing.

Before movies are shown in the cinema or at a public forum, the FCB, which is a 15-man entity, is responsible for censoring and rating them. Its members can make periodic, unscheduled visits to cinemas to ensure that the ratings are adhered to, and the audience is age appropriate.

In Barbados, films are classified according to five ratings.  These are General Audience (GA), Parental Guidance (PG), Parental Guidance 13 (PG13), Restricted (R), and Adult only (A).

According to an official of the FCB, films rated GA are considered suitable for viewing by persons of any age, while PG calls for parents to exercise discretion in permitting children to view the film.

PG 13 films are those considered by the FCB to be restricted to persons 13 years or older, and parental discretion is also advised.

Persons viewing films rated R should be 18 years and older because they contain strong language, nudity, sexual situations or violence. Adult only films require persons to be 18 years and older, and contain graphic violence, strong sexual situations or full frontal nudity.

The FCB official advised persons to report any cases of movies being viewed by persons who are not of a suitable age, and called on parents and guardians to ensure that their children and wards do not watch movies which contain nudity, violence, or abusive language.

To reach the FCB, persons should visit Ground Floor East, Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall, St. Michael, or call 535-5841. They may also fax to 424-0141. 

The Film Censorship Board falls under the aegis of the Ministry of Creative Economy, Culture and Sports, and is governed by the Films Act, Chapter 299 of the Laws of Barbados.

It consists of a chairman, deputy chairman, a representative of the Permanent Secretary and 12 members.

eyvette.mcclean@barbados.gov.bb