China to Decentralize Censorship Approval Process for Local Films

Chinas top film regulator is planning to decentralize the censorship process for local movies, granting bureaus in the provinces the power to examine films, as part of an effort to streamline the approvals process.

As it stands, filmmakers face lengthy waiting periods for approval of their movies from the Film Bureau in Beijing, which is part of the official watchdog, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT).

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Hong Kong actor/director Jackie Chan and leading mainland Chinese director Feng Xiaogang made passionate pleas this week for less censorship of their films in China at a high-level Communist Party meeting in Beijing.

The move is due to happen in April and in theory it means that local films will get to cinemas more quickly. What is not clear is whether the change will mean it is easier for local directors to get controversial content past censors.

The censorship of imported Hollywood films, and co-productions with international firms, will remain under the control of the central Film Bureau in Beijing.

A Touch Of Sin director Jia Zhangke told the entertainment section of website Sinathat it was difficult to evaluate what impact the move would have on the film industry. He said he wasn't sure if it will translate into added leeway for directors or if it was simply an internal change at the censorship unit.

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If this system can be carried out smoothly, it is a good thing for the film industry, so it can reduce the operating time and improve the efficiency and it can also make the filmmakers work more convenient -- a good change. If the power is not that centralized, it is also a signal that the censorship system will make some changes, said Jia.

The news has not yet appeared on the Film Bureaus website, but the cultural committee in the southwestern city of Chongqing posted a notice saying the move was intended to further improve the administrative efficiency and the service quality of the film production companies.

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China to Decentralize Censorship Approval Process for Local Films