The Ontario Film Authority is in its last few days, thanks to a decision by the Ford Government to abolish the entity that determines film ratings in the province.
The province will follow ratings issued by the British Columbia film classification organisation in the interim period, starting Tuesday.
The provincial film authorities have had fewer films to rate since films that go to video or streaming services don't have ratings. The OFA approved about 1,000 fewer films in 2018-2019 compared to 2017-2018.
Then again, the other 9 provinces aren't closing down their film authority group. The Ford Government says the savings will be $1.5 million to $2 million a year.
Getting rid of the Ontario Film Authority is half of the problem. The Ford Government will be the ones to come up with a new system. In a province that is home to one of the best film festivals in the world (TIFF), there is fear that a replacement will either be too cheap, too insufficient, too privatised, or some combination. The potential for censorship is also a significant concern.
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Canada doesn't have a national film classification system. Provinces are also responsible for banning films.
photo credit: Ontario Film Authority
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