For decades, France has given the world iconic films that deal frankly with sexual themes: “And God Created Woman,” “Belle de Jour,” “Betty Blue” and “Blue Is the Warmest Color.” But as in more puritanical nations, like the U.S., France is seeing the rise of socially conservative groups that are challenging the country’s traditionally permissive view on sex in movies, leading to an uproar in the film community while the government explores revamping its film ratings system.
Activist group Promouvoir, led by Andre Bonnet, who is affiliated with far-right politicians, has clashed repeatedly with France’s classification board, a government body regulated by the National Film Board (CNC). The board comprises guild representatives, parents, psychologists and various organizations dedicated to protecting families and children. It recommends certificates for films in four categories: all audiences; -12, which prohibits a film to viewers under 12 years of age; -16; and -18.
Promouvoir has won several battles with the board over the years: Virginie Despentes and Coralie Trinh Thi’s “Baise-moi,” Larry Clark and Edward Lachman’s “Ken Park,” Lars von Trier’s “Nymphomaniac: Volume 2” and Gaspar Noe’s “Love” at first had been given -16 certificates from the board, only to be reclassified as -18 after several challenges from the conservative group.
Promouvoir also opened the door for reclassification of Abdellatif Kechiche’s 2013 Palme d’Or winning “Blue Is the Warmest Color,” initially rated -12, more than two years after its original release, due to “realistic sex scenes.” The film’s operating visa also has been suspended, meaning that its distribution in secondary markets is in limbo.
Activist group Promouvoir, led by Andre Bonnet, who is affiliated with far-right politicians, has clashed repeatedly with France’s classification board, a government body regulated by the National Film Board (CNC). The board comprises guild representatives, parents, psychologists and various organizations dedicated to protecting families and children. It recommends certificates for films in four categories: all audiences; -12, which prohibits a film to viewers under 12 years of age; -16; and -18.
Promouvoir has won several battles with the board over the years: Virginie Despentes and Coralie Trinh Thi’s “Baise-moi,” Larry Clark and Edward Lachman’s “Ken Park,” Lars von Trier’s “Nymphomaniac: Volume 2” and Gaspar Noe’s “Love” at first had been given -16 certificates from the board, only to be reclassified as -18 after several challenges from the conservative group.
Promouvoir also opened the door for reclassification of Abdellatif Kechiche’s 2013 Palme d’Or winning “Blue Is the Warmest Color,” initially rated -12, more than two years after its original release, due to “realistic sex scenes.” The film’s operating visa also has been suspended, meaning that its distribution in secondary markets is in limbo.
0 coment�rios: