Italy

[IT] Ban on Distribution of Film Lifted - New Government Bill to Abrogate Censorship

IRIS 1998-5:1/19

Roberto Mastroianni

RTS Radio Télévision Suisse, Geneva

On 13 March 1998, following an appeal forwarded by the directors, the decision of the Governative Commission concerning the movie " Totò che visse duo volte" (see IRIS 1998-3: 7) was revised by the Appeal Commission. The distribution ban has been lifted, thus the film is currently shown in cinemas, provided that access is not permitted to children up to 18 years of age. According to Italian law, this limitation excludes that the movie can in the future be broadcast on television.

On the same day the Government presented a Bill to Parliament. It is the Government's intention to abrogate the provisions of law No 161 of 1962 (Articles 6, 8 and 9) which still permit that the distribution of a film in cinemas is made subject to the prior consent of a Governative Commission. IRIS will keep you informed of the date of entry into force of this new legislation.