Tighter rules on the use of discriminatory language in films adopted by BBFC

• diversity_admin
• 4 January, 2022

By: Aparna Sreevalsan

FILMS that contain racist and discriminatory language will be subject to greater scrutiny and perhaps a higher age rating, the British Board for Film Classification (BBFC) has indicated.

Following the UK regulator’s commissioned research into racism and discrimination, BBFC found out that the children might imitate discriminatory behaviour or language they watch, hence the content featuring the ‘n-word’ will not be classified lower than 12A/12 (films or programmes rated 12A are suitable for children aged 12 and over).

The research also found that some parents wanted to talk to their children regarding racism, and the ratings given by BBFC might help them to do that. Seventy participants including those who have been directly affected were asked about their personal views on such racist, discriminatory scenes.

Clips from different films and series including Won’t You Be My Neighbour?, Race, Young Sheldon, Call the Midwife, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Crocodile Dundee, and Looney Tunes were played for the participants. They were also required to watch a feature film from the list of I Am Not Your Negro, Blinded By The Light, Selma, and Hidden Figures.

“Movements dedicated to raising awareness and combatting discrimination and racism have gained important traction in the last two years”, said Lord Kamlesh Patel, vice president of the BBFC.

“In response, we wanted to see how this has impacted the views of people in the UK and, particularly, to hear from and listen to those who have been directly impacted by discrimination and racism as their voices are important. We recognise that our role isn’t just about protecting children from harmful content, it’s about helping parents who might want to use depictions of discrimination and racism as a potential teaching moment,” he continued.

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is responsible for the national classification and censorship of films exhibited at cinemas and video works released on physical media within the United Kingdom.