Talks Continue On NZ Film Censorship

A deputation from the Federation of Film Societies has had its second meeting with the Minister of Internal Affairs to discuss film censorship. The government film censor, Mr. McIntosh,was also at this meeting.

The film society deputation, led by chairman Harold White, outlined its belief that films in commercial cinemas should not be cut when they are restricted to 18 year olds and over. But Mr. Highet said he felt a majority of New Zealanders are happy with the censor's cuts, and he believed for example, that a majority would oppose the use of four-letter words such as had been cut from Carnal Knowledge.

Harold White replied that four-letter words were not the main issue. What is at stake, he said, is the freedom of adult film-goers to make up their own minds.

The Federation also sought more information on what the censor cuts. Specifically sought were details of how much has been cut from any film, and reasons for every cut. These details are now published in Australia.

Later Harold White said: "I cannot understand the reluctance and apprehension of the censor and the department in their opposition to releasing this information." However, it was agreed that there would be a third meeting, after the censor had sought the views of the film distributors on whether or not they thought information on censorship should be made available to the public.

The Minister expressed surprise at the film societies' requests. He said he understood that film societies were given freedom by the censor to screen all their films uncut. The deputation agreed that this was correct, as far as film society films were concerned. However, film society members were also interested in seeing films that were released commercially, but too many of these were being cut even though they were being restricted, as well.

- from Sequence, July 1972.