Singapore Film Law

Question 1

What’s the penalty for creating a party political film in Singapore?

Answer 1

Fine AND/OR imprisonment for importing, making, exhibiting, distributing, possessing a “party political film” ie:
- An ad for political party OR
(US: spend a lot of money on TV ads about candidacy)

• A film “directed towards any political end in SG”
• -> It is “intended or likely to affect voting” or
• -> It contains “partisan or biased” comments on a political matter: election, candidate, gov, an MP, or current policy, issue of public controversy

Question 2

In 2009, Singapore Parliament amended the Film’s Act’s definition of prohibiting party political films to exclude what?

Answer 2

It excludes:
1. Any film “for the purpose of reporting of news by a broadcasting service licensed” in SG

2. A “documentary” that:
   - In accurate &
   - is NOT “dramatic” (eg. it’s dramatic if there are re-enactments) &
   - does NOT contain animation

Question 3

When are films prohibited under Singapore law?

Answer 3

“If the Minister is of the opinion that the possession or distribution of any film would be contrary to the public interest, he may in his discretion prohibit the possession or distribution of that film by any person”

Question 4

What is the penalty for prohibited films under Singapore law?

Answer 4

Fine AND/OR prison

Question 5

What are the guidelines for film ratings in Singapore?

Answer 5

• All films exhibited or distributed must be rated
• Higher ratings are law (NC16, M18, R21 – legally enforced)
• TV ratings build on film ratings

Question 6

What are the film ratings in Singapore?

Answer 6

Ratings:

• -> G – General
• -> PG – Parental Guidance
• -> PG13 – Parental Guidance 13
• -> NC16 – No Children Under 16
• -> M18 – Mature 18
• -> R21 – Restricted 21

Question 7

What does NAR rating in Singapore mean?

Answer 7

NAR: “Not Allowed for All Ratings”

–> Cannot be exhibited or distributed

Question 8

What are the film rating guidelines in the US?

Answer 8

• Ratings are not a law
• Voluntary industry self-regulation
• Motion Picture Association of America
• -> Secret committee so people can’t influence their opinion, and they rate most films
• Cinemas choose whether to enforce
• -> No legal consequences if cinema let younger kids in and watch NC17 shows (eg.)

Question 9

What are the film ratings in Singapore compared to the US?

Answer 9

First Amendment prohibits prior restraints