Agenda item

To receive the submitted report of the Chief Officer Elections and Regulatory which advises the Licensing Sub Committee Members of an application for the certification of numerous films in respect of the Leeds International Film Festival. All screenings are scheduled to take place between 3rd November 2021 and 18th November 2021, at Vue Cinema in the Light, Everyman Cinema, Howard Assembly Room, Cottage Road Cinema, Belgrave Music Hall and the New School of Arts Cinema at Leeds Beckett University.

The Chief Officer Elections and Regulatory submitted a report advising Members of the Licensing Sub Committee of an application for the certification of numerous films in respect of the Leeds International Film Festival.

All screenings are due to take place between 3^rd November 2021 and 18^th November 2021, at Vue Cinema in the Light, Everyman Cinema, Howard Assembly Rooms, Cottage Road Cinema, Belgrave Music Hall and the New School of Arts Cinema at Leeds Beckett University. 

The application was for a total of 134 films requesting certification. These were appended to the submitted report at Appendix B, listed by title with a synopsis and the applicant’s recommended rating for each film.

It was acknowledged that where films were unavailable for Members to view them these should be certified as an 18 rating. This was subject to a written declaration from the applicant confirming that each film did not contain any content which would more likely than not render the film liable to be classified as R18 if considered in accordance with the BBFC Classification Guidelines. A copy of the declaration was attached to the report at Appendix C.

Members were provided with details of three viewable films requesting an age rating other than 18, these were:

·  Absolute Denial which was recommended as 15

·  Fortune Favours Lady Nikuko which was recommended as U

·  Valentina which was recommended as 15

The Chair suggested that each of the three films should be considered separately.

In attendance at the meeting were:

·  Chris Fell – LCC Leeds Film Manager

·  Alexander King – LCC Film Programme Manager

·  Martin Grund – LCC Film Development Manager

Absolute Denial

Members were advised that this film was an animated feature about a genius computer programmer who creates a super-computer but becomes concerned that the computer could wipe out mankind. Members were informed that the film did contain strong language.

Members were of the view that the themes contained in the film would be difficult for younger people to understand due to the complexity of the content. Based on the BBFC classification the members were of the view that the film was rated to the right age group.

Fortune Favours Lady Nikuko

Members were informed that this film was recommended as a U rating to be shown to family audiences at the Saturday Matinee. The Japanese story shows the bond between a young girl and a person who she believes to be her mother. However, as the story unfolds it becomes clear that the person is not the girl’s mother. The end of the film shows that all works well for the two main characters.

Members had concerns that the narrative and the themes in this film were not appropriate for a young audience and that children of about 5 years would not be able to understand the film. They were of the view that a PG rating would better explain the complexities of the film to parents considering taking younger children to watch it.

Valentina

This is a Brazilian drama about a young trans girl starting out in a new town. The film shows issues such as transphobia, violence and bullying.

Members’ views were that this film would appeal to a teenage age range. However, they were of the view that the film could raise issues and were of the opinion that links should be provided to support systems and groups. It was noted that links to support groups for similar issues were used at the Leeds Young Film Festival with warnings prior to the films and on the website.

Members were informed that the Leeds Film Festival hires venues and checks are made by staff to verify the age of people attending all films.

Member’s discussions included:

·  The rating of PG would make parents think about the content of films prior to going to view them.

·  The films that had been viewed were good and they had enjoyed watching them.

·  They were assured that checks would be made to verify the age of people attending.

·  They were assured that links to support groups would be provided.

It was noted that films would not be viewed at the Town Hall as in previous years. This was due to the Town Hall being restored and refurbished. It was hoped that in future years the Leeds Film Festival would again use this as a venue.

RESOLVED – To grant the following classification for the films viewed:

·  Absolute Denial – rated 15

·  Fortune Favours Lady Nikuko – rated PG

·  Valentina – rated 15

Meeting concluded at 10:40