In British Columbia, Consumer Protection BC is responsible for classifying all general release movies that are shown in theatres in our province. Our motion picture classification team reviews film content so you as the public can make informed viewing choices for yourself and your families.  For more information about what we do, visit the motion pictures page of our website.   You can check out the classification categories (i.e. 14A) of the movie you want to see as well as an advisory which gives you more insight into the content of the film.

To increase awareness Consumer Protection BC held a student film competition in 2009 to produce a 30-second public service announcement (PSA) about film classification.  Four individuals/teams went head to head and created some excellent PSAs. Our finalist was Stephanie Blakey whose winning entry was shown on the big screen in movie theatres across BC.  Have you seen it before?  If not, here’s a link to her winning entry and the runner ups as well!  Everyone did a great job and we love the entries.

1.    Rated Argyle – by Stephanie Blakey – Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design 1.
2.    Spaces - by Tim Laks - Capilano University
3.    Chloe’s Knight Out – by John Oman – Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design
4.    Kid’s Choice – by Jonathan Williams – Capilano University

* Want the film ratings for BC before anyone else? Follow us on Twitter @ConsumerProBC or check out our classification hashtag #filmbc on Twitter.  You can also like us on Facebook to get lots of great consumer information.