The proposed scrapping of theatre censorship laws has elicited mixed reactions: some are delighted, others disappointed and others still feel there is much more work to be done.
Culture Minister Mario de Marco on Tuesday announced a draft legal notice which effectively replaces theatre censorship with self-regulation and introduces a new system for film classification.
The changes have been overwhelmingly welcomed by the team behind the play Stitching, banned in 2009.
“Finally we are seeing some sense,” said actress Pia Zammit. She pointed out that the onus of regulation will be transferred to the creators, and this should not be taken lightly.
“However, it is a responsibility we gladly accept, just like TV producers and newspaper editors.”
This does not spell a free-for-all because audiences are empowered to “vote with their feet”, either by not buying tickets or walking out of performances, she added.
Film distributors KRS also welcomed the changes. KRS manager Alex Pace said the new film classification brings Malta in line with other EU countries and included new ratings like 12A (for 12-year-olds to be accompanied by adults), allowing parents to make wiser decisions.
Mr Pace said the legal notice still allowed films to be banned in extreme cases if they did not fall into any classification. However, the new film age classification board must cite reasons and producers can file appeals.
“In the last 30 years we never had a film banned. We don’t handle such products so it does not affect us. If there is no limit, you can just bring in porn and it will have to be classified 18 and you will be able to show it.”
A spokesman for Dr de Marco clarified that the law had no intention of providing for non-approval of any films of artistic value and the only reason self-regulation was not possible with films was because most were imported.
The law was also welcomed by the Association of Performing Arts Practitioners and the Arts Students Association, which both called on their members to partake in the three-week consultation process.
This is a step backward. All this talk of self-regulation is rubbish- Labour MP Adrian Vassallo
However, although the Labour Party has welcomed the changes, Labour MP Adrian Vassallo, whose views on these issues are conservative, was not pleased. “This is a step backward. All this talk of self-regulation is rubbish. We are heading for a society where everyone is going to be able to do and watch whatever they want. But they can do what they want. What can I do? Obviously, I don’t agree.”
Therese Friggieri, who chairs the current Board of Stage and Film Classification, which banned the play Stitching and will now be replaced by a Theatre Guidance Board, gave a less emotive response.
“We based all our decisions on the law as it was. Now, it is very probable that the law will be changed and other rules and regulations will apply. I’m sure the people appointed to follow these rules will do so,” she said. Meanwhile, the Front Against Censorship reiterated its call for more legislative changes. “This was one of our five proposals,” said spokesman Mark Camilleri, who is still in court defending an explicit article featured on his student newspaper. The Front still wants to see changes in broadcasting, print and obscenity laws. Mr Camilleri said he viewed Tuesday’s announcement as a “pre-electoral gift” and still felt the PN government did not have the political will to combat censorship effectively. The Front was never consulted and the PN, unlike Labour and Alternattiva Demokratika, refused a meeting to discuss the matter.
“When Dr de Marco says sorry it makes me even angrier because I can still go to prison and the government has done nothing to stop that.”