Members of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Feng Jicai (left 4), Wang Jianlin (right 4), Shan Jixiang (right 3), Yin Li (left 2), Fan Jinshi (left 3) and Zhang Heping (right 2) attend a news conference of the Fifth Session of the 11th CPPCC National Committee on the reform of cultural system in Beijing, capital of China, March 8, 2012. [Photo: people.com.cn]
At a press conference on March 8, Yin Li, member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) said that the government should adopt a moderately loose policy towards the domestic film industry, chinanews.com reports.
The press conference was titled "Deepening the innovation of Culture and Sport, Promoting the Development and Prosperity of Culture." Six members of the National Committee of the CPPCC attended the event to answer questions from Chinese and foreign press; the members included Feng Jicai, Wang Jianlin, Shan Jixiang, Yin Li, Fan Jinshi and Zhang Heping.
Yin Li, who is also Vice-Chairman of the China Film Association (CFA), said that the issue of movie censorship has long been discussed among Chinese filmmakers. Many feel that strict censorship has limited the creativity of Chinese filmmakers. "Censorship is not the problem. The point is with what kind of standards we apply when content is censored," Yin stated.
With the fast development of the Chinese film industry, industry insiders have been appealing for a less strict approach from the government in terms of regulating movie content.
"There are too many restrictions while making a movie," Yin told the media, "For example, if we want to tell a story about the police, we have to ask the Ministry of Public Security for permission. When the movie involves foreign affairs, we have to report it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and wait for their answer."
Chinese filmmakers are likely to enter into much fiercer competition with Hollywood in the near future as they try to attract viewing audiences. Yin said he hopes the government can "untie" the unnecessary restrictions attached to the movie making process and instead provide filmmakers with a freer, less restricted environment.