New LawNudity in Ghanaian movies banned

New LawNudity in Ghanaian movies banned

This follows the passage of the Development and Classification of Film Bill, 2016, into law by parliament.

Ghana has banned nudity or pornographic materials in locally produced movies following the passage of the Development and Classification of Film Bill, 2016, into law by parliament.

LawNudity-in-Ghanaian

Members of Parliament began the consideration of the Bill on Wednesday after several years of the document being laid in the law-making house.

Industry players have often expressed disappointment over the delay in the passage of the Bill, as they argue that the movie trade has no protection.

But with the new law, children will now be protected from adult content especially, at movie screenings, exhibitions, and premiering centers.

Section 20 of the new law demands the establishment of a National Film Board.

The Board has the responsibility “not to approve for exhibition, a film it considers to be pornographic”.

Section 23, clauses 1, 2, and 3 respectively further states that “a person shall not attend a film exhibition which that person is not qualified to attend by virtue of the classification of the film under section 19 (4).

“A person, who exhibits a film under a license issued under this Act, shall not permit another person who is disqualified by virtue of classification of film to enter or remain on the premises where the exhibition is taking place.”

It added that: “Where the exhibitor of a film is of the opinion that a person who wishes to enter or remain on the premises or theatre for the exhibition is disqualified by virtue of the classification, the exhibitor shall refund the entrance fee paid by that person and send that person away from their premises or theatre.”

The new law repeals the Cinematography Act, 1961 (Act 76) and the Cinematographer Amendment Decree, 1975 (NRCD 350).

It also seeks to provide the legal framework for the production, regulation, nurturing and development of the Ghanaian film industry, and for the distribution, exhibition and marketing of films and for related matters.

The Bill defined a Ghanaian film as one which is registered with the National Film Authority, is classified as Ghanaian, and which satisfies any three of the following criteria:

The language used in the film is English or a Ghanaian language

The film has a Ghanaian producer

The film has a Ghanaian production team

The film has a Ghanaian film director

The film has a predominantly Ghanaian cast

The subject matter is Ghanaian and

The film has a Ghanaian identity as defined by sight and sound.

 


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