MTRCB head denies banning '50 Shades'
Fans of the book and the film “50 Shades of Grey” can have a sigh of relief – at least for now. The Movie and Television Review and Board (MTRCB) has denied rumors that it has banned the film “50 Shades of Grey” for showing in nationwide theaters.
MTRCB Chair, lawyer Toto Villareal said his office has not received any application to review the film based on an erotic novel that has become a worldwide bestseller.
“Neither has the MTRCB received any trailer material for review,” he told Yahoo Philippines.
Trailer classification
The MTRCB chair added that the Board has come up with a new set of rules regarding trailers. It is classifying trailers as G (General Patronage, or suitable for all ages), PG (for Parental Guidance) and X (not suitable for public exhibition).
Villareal explained that a G trailer can be shown before or with any movie. A PG trailer, on the other hand, can be shown only in theaters where the main feature is PG, R-13 (only viewers 13 years old and above can see the film), R-16 (only viewers 16 and above can be admitted to the moviehouse) and R-18 (only viewers 18 and above can see the film).
Only trailers rated G and PG can be shown in theaters. Villareal also said that a short advisory on the classification of trailers being shown will be flashed on the movie screens.
Villareal revealed that the new policy comes on the heels of feedback from parents and young adults regarding trailers being shown in moviehouses.
‘MTRCB Uncut’
Meanwhile, the MTRCB also announced that it has a new show called “MTRCB Uncut,” which premieres on Sunday, August 10, 8 p.m. on the government station PTV4. The infotainment program which tackles the Board’s activities is hosted by Bobby Andrews and Gladys Reyes.
Segments are “Prangkahan,” a no-holds barred discussion with Board Members and resource persons on issues that protect the family, the youth, the disabled, and others; “Pulso ni Juan at Juana,” which features interviews with viewers and “Kita-Keats” where educator Carmen “Keats” Musngi notes ‘funny observations about media.’
