Artistic Freedom of Film Making and Censorship in China

Abstract

Chinese films are subject to excessively rigorous standards in their production processes and are required to follow certain principles as part of efforts to safeguard films, the film industry, and the public. However, this could limit the freedom of film making and artistic expression. Considering the rigid film censorship system, filmmakers have long been calling for the implementation of a rating system. Similar to academic circles in the West, there has been a significant growth in research on the Chinese film industry. There have also been academic discourses about Chinese films and film festivals (Berry and Robinson 2017) and the development of the film industry (Kokas 2017; Su 2016). Simultaneously, Chinese films have entered a golden period of development and have also become a cultural card for China to establish its image globally. However, Chinese films remain unrated, and film censorship continues to be stringent. What are the factors that make the rating of Chinese films so difficult? This study reveals the main reasons such as the outdated Chinese film censorship system and the restrictions placed on film art. In particular, the release of many world-class films in China has been facing several hurdles, while some outstanding Chinese art films have also been banned in the domestic market. Therefore, to popularize Chinese films, it is imperative to examine the censorship system of Chinese films. Accordingly, this study analyzes the necessity and feasibility of establishing a film rating system by considering many popular films that cannot be shown in China or have been excessively censored and discusses the necessity and feasibility of establishing a film.