Currently, films, before hitting the screen, are classified into four groups, including P (films that can be distributed to viewers of all ages) for 13 +; 16+ or 18+ aged audiences.

From May 20, when Circular 05/2023 takes effect, the classification of films will be amended to be in line with the Law on Cinematography approved by the National Assembly on June 15, 2022.

Two groups of films will be added. One is labeled K, i.e. films that can be disseminated to viewers aged under 13, provided that they watch the films together with parents or guardians. The other is C, i.e. films which cannot be distributed.

The classification will be based on more specific regulations, including criteria on topics and content; violence; nudity and sex; drugs, stimulants and addictive substances; horror films; vulgar language; and dangerous behaviors that are easy to imitate.

Of these, the criteria about nudity and sex are very detailed, including the ages of characters in sex scenes and the possible impact on viewers. Analysts believe these are the most detailed regulations so far.

The circular stipulates that films must display the classification level during the dissemination process, except for P films.

As for films disseminated on TV and cyberspace, producers and TV stations must display warnings via text or voice within 3 seconds after the films are put on air. 

The location for the warning display should be below the movie classification icon. There must be no more than 33 display times during the process of film dissemination with a screening time of 20 minutes or more.

Hot scenes and violence in movies and web dramas are a burning issue that many experts have complained about recently. While movies are subject to strict censorship by the national film board and by labeling, the films airing on the internet are monitored less.

In fact, classification of web dramas is mentioned in the Law on Cinematography 2022. However, viewers of different ages still can access the web dramas with 18+ images and the violated contents while there is not any warning.

Under the current regulations, MCST is only in charge of controlling the content of movies, while the content of web dramas is under the control of the Ministry of Information and Communications and the Ministry of Public Security based on the Law on Cybersecurity.

Tinh Le