Objective
Provide quality censoring services through accurate classification, effective enforcement and educational measures adherence to Samoan cultural values and Religious beliefs for maintaining orders and stability in the community
Other Sections
Core Functions
- Classification and rating of films
- Registration and licensing
- Spot Checks
- Raise community and business stakeholders awareness
- Coordination of Film Control Board meetings
Classification of Films
Must be completed within 1-10 working days:
Television and Video shops
- 1 – 5 films = 3 days
- 1 – 10 films = 5 days
- 1 – 15 films = 8 days
- 1 – 20 films = 10 days
Cinemas
- 1 day = Owner to inform Office 2 -3 days in advance
Document Required
- Form listing all videos/films submitted and number of copies
- Physical videos/films to be censored
| Steps | Task | Standard |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
View Movies (for new movies but not fo movies already rated |
View movies in full |
|
2 |
Assess movies by completing assessment form |
Use classification guidelines |
|
3 |
Rate movie |
Rate move according to guidelines and also the Samoan culture |
|
4 |
Refer movie with complete assessment form of the Principal Censor for endorsement |
Site assessment form and check compliance with above requirements |
|
5 |
Register new movies in electronic database with rating |
Complete registration of information required by database |
Governing Legislation
Film Control Act 1978 is the Principal Act that establishes the Film Control Board (FCB) and makes better provisions for the Film Control and regulations on The Exhibition of films and censorship of films.
This regulation is adhered to in conjunction with the Films Control Act 1978 and it acts as an implementation guide to the policies put in place in accordance with the three (3) main functions of the Censorship Office:
- Classification of Films
- Law Enforcement and
- Educational Programs (Public Awareness)
This Act amends sections 2 – 18 of the Principal Act 1978.
This Act 2010 made additional amendment to the principal act to update the legislations in line with technological development in the film industry.
Film Control Regulations 2010 repeals Film Control Regulations 1979 and mandates the use of the new templates that the Censorship Office have been using for processing applications for film exhibition and lenders licenses as well as processing censoring of films.
Payment of Fees Process
Document Required
Movie List with ratings and fees calculated and noted on list.
| Steps | Task | Standard |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Calculate Fees |
New Titles – $22.50 Copies – $5.60 Reels – $56.25 |
|
2 |
Inform Companies of the payment to be made |
All contact addresses of Companies is updated. |
|
3 |
Transfer movie list to cashier |
Attach copies for companies Movie list to be endorsed by Principal Censor |
|
4 |
Issues receipt of payment upon payment |
Receipt numbers enter on movie list for record purposes |
|
5 |
Transfer movie list to Principal Accountant for release of stickers. |
Complete registration of information required by database |
Classification Guide
