To: The Honourable Niki Sharma, K.C.
Attorney General and Deputy Premier

Dear Minister Sharma,

Independent cinemas are vital cultural spaces where communities gather to experience art, storytelling and diverse perspectives beyond the mainstream. These exhibitors are often the only venues hosting niche film festivals and screening Canadian titles, short films from the community, foreign films and restored classics. 

Unlike streaming at home, cinema fosters collective experience and conversation, especially important for young audiences discovering the power of film. When we block access to cinemas, we block connections to culture, education and a shared Canadian understanding.

Unfortunately, the current film classification system enforced by Consumer Protection BC creates an absolute barrier for BC’s independent cinemas and young audiences.

In BC, all motion pictures must be classified before being shown in cinemas. Non-profit film societies are allowed to screen unrated films, but only to paying society members over 18. Other exhibitors have no such flexibility. 

While distributors can submit films for a classification that applies province-wide, cinemas are only granted one-off waivers. These ratings apply only to the specific screening dates listed in the request; if another cinema wishes to show the same film, or if the exhibitor wants to hold the film over due to popular demand, they must begin the entire process from scratch. This inconsistency makes no sense and is deeply unfair to independent cinema operators who are already working with limited budgets and tight timelines.

The practical barriers to getting films rated make it nearly impossible for BC’s independent cinemas to operate effectively:

• Films must be submitted at least 4 weeks before tickets go on sale, which is typically 2 months before screening, as non-mainstream titles require lead time for marketing
• Each cinema must submit its own rating request, even for the same film, duplicating costs and administrative work
• Even minor changes between versions (such as 3 to 4 minutes of additional footage) require new submissions
• Consumer Protection BC requires unwatermarked screeners, which rights holders are often reluctant to share due to piracy concerns
• Some art titles are only available on 35mm/16mm film, making submission impossible
• Some popular films are simply not held over because re-rating would take too long
• While non-profit festivals and cinemas are exempt, for-profit cinemas must pay one of the costliest fees in Canada to have these films rated

Independent exhibitors face these logistical and financial hurdles just to show content that is often freely available to all ages on streaming platforms. Many cinemas simply abandon screenings rather than navigate this bureaucratic maze, meaning these films lose out on a BC theatrical audience.

Meanwhile, art galleries, museums and streaming services operate without these outdated restrictions. While streaming platforms provide ratings and content advisories, they are not subject to the Motion Picture Act, and therefore not required to submit content to Consumer Protection BC to be rated. Why should cinemas be different? 

BC must catch up with other markets that have shifted from restriction to information. Out of all the countries in the world, only Canada and Venezuela require regional classification of films. In the US, film classification is voluntary with ratings issued by a national body. Ontario allows cinemas to provide age recommendations and content advisories without requiring a formal classification, giving audiences the tools they need to make informed choices without burdening exhibitors. 

The role of film classification should be to empower informed viewing, not block access to culture. We urge the BC Government to adopt the Ontario model: a self-regulated system requiring exhibitors to post advisories and content details on websites and in the theatre for movie goers to review. BC needs a flexible, modern approach that supports cultural venues, respects audience choice and ensures the next generation of filmmakers and film lovers aren’t locked out of the cinema experience.

Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors (NICE)