Film advocates, both in BC and across the country, are criticizing the BC government for standing by practices and policies they say are outdated and impacting independent filmmakers.
The issues stem from Consumer Protection BC (CPBC), who oversees the classification—or rating process—of films that are released in theatres across the province.
To show a film in theatres, it must first go through CPBC to be classified.
This process involves paying the provincial regulator to become a distributor, sending them a copy of the film for rating, paying $2.75 per minute of the film and sometimes paying additional per-minute fees for “copies.”
If a distributor wanted to screen the same movie at two locations in BC at times that overlap, they have to pay for the copy to be rated as well.
For a distributor to show six films—each one being 90 minutes long with no copies involved—it would cost them at least $1,800. If they wanted to show trailers to promote the films, those trailers also have to be rated at a cost and if there are copies, that costs more as well.
This system primarily impacts independent filmmakers who live and work in BC because big studios and filmmakers can afford to absorb the cost of the process more easily.
Impacts on independent filmmakers
According to Victoria-based independent film distributors Destroyed Cinema, the system no longer makes sense in this day and age.
“The big issue in BC compared to other jurisdictions across North America is that we are one of the only jurisdictions that require the ‘state’ to rate your film,” said Nick Workman, co-founder of Destroyed Cinema.
He added that in other provinces, this is not the case.
“It’s a way for the Province to keep adding money into their coffers while putting up a barrier to filmmakers to submit,” Workman continued.
“Comparatively, in Ontario, theatres can show whatever they want, and if they want a rating, they just ask the studio and the studio will give them what the rating is or say ‘this film contains nudity or violence,’ and it’s up to the consumer to decide if that film is for them.”
There are some workarounds to be able to show a film in BC without paying CPBC for classification that Destroyed Cinema has navigated.
One of these ways is to show a film as “unrated.” However, in order to do that, a distributor or filmmaker has to work with a film society such as the Victoria Film Festival. To do this, the society has to ensure that all audience members are members of their society and no one is below the age of 19.
However, going this route comes with other risks and constraints that can impact the theatre.
“The Vic Theatre, they serve alcohol and they’re one of the few theatres in the province that do,” said Workman.
“But, if the film is unrated you’re not allowed to serve alcohol at those screenings, so that means you’re losing a potential revenue source while trying to take a risk. If I’m a film theatre, I’m going to take the alcohol, because that’s more profit than trying to show a DIY film.”
“It’s another barrier that’s being put up and more to navigate.”
Another way certain cinemas, such as Cinecenta at UVic, can show independent films is by operating as a non-profit film society. That way, they are able to submit films for classification to CPBC at no cost, but only for each specific screening.
“This system basically inhibits anybody remotely independent and uninhibits [sic] Hollywood,” explained JP Meldrum, the other co-founder of Destroyed Cinema.
“They have unlimited money to throw at these things and make sure that everything they have gets shown.”
Workman gave the example that for Disney to get a Marvel film rated, that’s nothing compared to what the company would make at the box office.
However, he noted that big cinemas such as Cineplex Odeon are also currently lobbying the BC government to reform the film classification system, and they are not alone.
Advocacy for reform
The Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors (NICE), an alliance of independent cinemas, filmmakers and distributors, have been fighting for change for years.
In 2025, the organization penned an open letter to Attorney General Niki Sharma regarding the changes they would like to see regarding film classification.
“Unfortunately, the current film classification system enforced by CPBC creates an absolute barrier for BC’s independent cinemas and young audiences,” reads their open letter.
NICE identified the same barriers as Destroyed Cinema and expanded upon them.
According to the organization, the practical barriers to getting films rated make it nearly impossible for BC’s independent cinemas to operate effectively.
This is because:
- Films must be submitted at least four weeks before tickets go on sale, which is typically two months before screening
- Each cinema must submit its own rating request, even for the same film, which duplicates costs arbitrarily, as well as administrative work
- Minor changes between versions, as little as a few minutes of additional footage or the same film dubbed in a different language, require new submissions
- CPBC requires unwatermarked screeners, which rights holders are often reluctant to share due to piracy concerns
- Some art titles are only available on 35 millimetre or 16 millimetre 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
Furthermore, NICE says that film is held to a much different standard than other art forms in BC.
“Art galleries, museums and streaming services operate without these outdated restrictions,” reads the open letter.
“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?”
NICE asserts that BC needs to reform its film classification policies, noting that Canada and Venezuela are the only places on earth that require regional classification of films.
“The role of film classification should be to empower informed viewing, not block access to culture,” NICE concluded.
“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 government’s position
CPBC oversight falls under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Attorney General, which provided a statement to Victoria Buzz on this matter.
“The Province is always open to hearing from filmmakers, exhibitors and distributors about how BC’s film classification system is working in practice,” said the Ministry of Attorney General.
She noted that the Motion Picture Act, which regulates film classification, was introduced in 1986. Since 1997, CPBC aligned its ratings with the Canadian Home Video Rating System to be rated G, PG, 14A, 18A or R.
Since that time, not much has changed with the classification system used, other than the fees charged, despite the way films are consumed changing so vastly.
Some changes have taken place though. Lower distributor licence fees for smaller distributors and classification fee exemptions are provided for certified Canadian-made films and films distributed by non‑profit societies, just as Destroyed Cinemas stated.
Sharma noted that in 2025, more than 27% of all film classifications were provided at no cost.
“The Ministry of Attorney General has had discussions with industry stakeholders about the current classification regime, and we are open to feedback about BC’s system,” said the Ministry of Attorney General.
“We will continue to monitor the actions taken by other jurisdictions to determine if their approach might be appropriate in BC.”
She added that any potential changes would need to balance industry impacts with public interest and consumer protection considerations.
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