Swiss to scrap “confusing” film rating system
Swiss cantonal authorities have agreed to introduce standard film ratings across the country.
The Conference of Cantonal Justice and Police Directors signed an accord on Friday that will do away with the current system under which each of Switzerland’s 26 cantons is free to decide on the minimum viewing age for films screening in their cinemas.
It will probably take the lead from Germany’s film industry censors, the conference secretary Roger Schneeberger said.
If no ratings have been fixed, the still to be formed Swiss national commission for films and protection of young people will be responsible.
At present film ratings vary wildly. Fed up with what they considered an unnecessary confusion, ProCinema, the national association of cinema owners and film distributors, and the Swiss Video Association pushed for the creation of a national film commission to issue one-age-fits-all ratings across the country.
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