Filmmakers Worry Hong Kong Film Censors Will Stifle Expression

BANGKOK - Filmmakers are raising concerns about new guidelines for Hong Kong’s film censor that instruct them to ban movies deemed endangering national security. 

Last week, the Hong Kong government announced that amendments to the territory’s Film Censorship Ordinance could result in movies being banned as part of the Beijing-imposed national security law.  The government statement said it is the “duty” of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to “safeguard national security” and that “censors must abide by these provisions.”  Local and international filmmakers who have worked in Hong Kong said the changes could hurt the city’s film industry.