On Saturday 29 September the Hippodrome continues its centenary celebrations with a unique opportunity to spend an evening with the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) also celebrating its 100th year in 2012.
BBFC Director David Cooke and Senior Film Examiner Craig Lapper will take the audience through key milestones in the history of the BBFC, illustrated with artefacts and film clips, and closing with an audiences question and answer session. The presentation will be preceded by a reception for all ticketholders with refreshments.
Who really banned ‘A Clockwork Orange’? Why did audiences live in fear of ‘Snow White’? Was ‘The Dark Knight’ too dark for a 12A? These questions and many others relating to the work of the BBFC will be considered as the event delves into how social attitudes have changed over the years. The BBFC was established as the British Board of Film Censors in 1912, the same year the Hippodrome opened. While some issues, such as criminal behaviour, have remained abiding concerns at the BBFC, other issues have declined in importance (such as nudity) whereas others have become more problematic (such as racism and discrimination). The presentation is rated 18 and will be illustrated by clips from some key films ranging from the early days of cinema to more recent times, together with archival documents and photographs from the BBFC’s archive.
These historical moments shape and inform the BBFC’s function today, but much has changed as the BBFC’s approach to film classification has become increasingly tied to public expectations and opinion. BBFC Director David Cooke will explain how this approach was established and is put into practice today, in order to provide clear film content advice for parents and cinema-goers.
About this special Hippodrome event, Mr Cooke said:
“The BBFC is delighted to take part in marking the Hippodrome’s centenary. The BBFC is also 100 this year and the history of cinema-going and film classification are inextricably linked to each other and to social history. This event aims to demonstrate these links and to provoke discussion about film classification both in the past and the present.”
Alison Strauss Arts Development Officer (Film and Media) at Falkirk Community Trust said:
“We are thrilled to host this event as part of our centenary year celebrations. This 18-rated evening is sure to reveal a host of fascinating detail behind the examiners’ decisions over the last hundred years and we are particularly honoured that the event will be co-hosted by the Director of the BBFC, David Cooke”.
Tickets for From Cuts to Classification: The BBFC at 100 (including the reception) are £5.85 (£4.55 conc.) and are available from the Hippodrome Box Office or from the Steeple Box Office, Falkirk High Street, Tel: 01324 506850.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The Hippodrome, Scotland’s first purpose-built picture palace, is celebrating its centenary in 2012 with Hippodrome 100 – a year-long programme of workshops, public art interventions, screenings in unusual places, touring exhibitions and events inspired by the Hippodrome and its place in the nation’s cinema-going heritage. Opened on 11 March 1912 and recently restored to its original glory, the Hippodrome is run by Falkirk Community Trust. www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/hippodrome100
Falkirk Community Trust is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status and was established by Falkirk Council. On 1 July 2011 the company assumed responsibility for the management and operation of a range of community facing sport, recreation, arts, and heritage and library services. As a not-for-profit organisation funded by Falkirk Council we strive to support community aspirations, deliver inspiring services and ensure that the experiences we offer provide equality of opportunity and access for all. Falkirk Community Trust is a charity registered in Scotland, No: SC042403.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent, private, not for profit company which classifies films, videos, DVDs and certain video games, advertisements and trailers. The BBFC operates transparent, well-understood and trusted co-regulatory and self-regulatory classification regimes based on years of expertise and published Guidelines which reflect public opinion and the risk of harm; and is accountable to Parliament.
Creative Scotland is the national development agency for the arts, screen and creative industries. Our vision is that Scotland will be recognised as one of the world’s most creative nations – one that attracts, develops and retains talent, where the arts and the creative industries are supported and celebrated and their economic contribution fully captured; a nation where the arts and creativity play a central part in the lives, education and well-being of our population
About the Year of Creative Scotland 2012: The Year of Creative Scotland began on January 1, 2012 and is a chance to showcase, celebrate and promote Scotland’s cultural and creative strengths on a world stage. Through a dynamic and exciting year-long programme of activity celebrating our world-class events, festivals, culture and heritage, the year puts Scotland’s culture and creativity in the international spotlight with a focus on cultural tourism and developing the events industry and creative sector in Scotland. More information about the programme can be found at: www.visitscotland.com/creative
