End of an era: Board that classified films in the Maritimes fades to black

The recent shutdown of the Maritime Film Classification Board, the government agency that determined the age appropriateness of films in Nova Scotia, has sparked a conversation about censorship, morality, and the changing landscape of entertainment.

Founded over a century ago, the board was initially focused on film censorship before transitioning to rating films in the 1980s. Filmmakers like Jason Eisener, known for his cult classic “Hobo With a Shotgun,” recall the process of getting their films classified by the board. Eisener borrowed money from his parents to get his martial arts, zombie, post-apocalyptic movie “Fist of Death” reviewed by the board, a process that he described as a significant accomplishment for him and his friends.

The board’s work often found itself at the center of controversy, with films like “American Psycho” receiving a Restricted (R) rating for extreme violence and graphic sexual content. The stickers indicating ratings like General (G), Parental Guidance (PG), Adult Accompaniment (AA), or Restricted (R) were a common sight on the covers of films available for rent at stores like the Halifax Central Library.

With the rise of the internet and streaming services, the need for a government agency to classify films has diminished. Nova Scotia’s decision to rely on ratings provided by distributors marks a shift in how films are monitored for age appropriateness. While the board’s closure aligns with the changing times, some, like film reviewer Randy Hume, worry that losing the agency’s localized perspective may result in ratings that prioritize profit over moral values.

The board’s history includes rare instances of banning films, such as “Last Tango in Paris” in 1978 and “Bastard out of Carolina” in 1997. The latter faced criticism for going beyond acceptable community standards but was eventually allowed to be shown in theatres after the ban was overturned.

Controversies, like the decision to rate “Hannibal” as Adult Accompaniment (AA) despite its graphic content, have also put the board in the spotlight. The proposal to charge more to classify porn films in the 1990s raised concerns about censorship and access to different types of content.

As Nova Scotia transitions away from the Maritime Film Classification Board, only three provinces in Canada will continue to have similar agencies. The closure raises questions about the impact on local perspectives, moral values, and the future of film classification in an increasingly digital world.