The British Board of Film Classification are getting into the spectral swing of Halloween with Can You Survive Certification? Horror On Film, a two-hour presentation with clips and debate about the process of classifying schlock, splatterpunk and the rest, taking place at Hackney Picturehouse next Tuesday, October 29, at 6.30 pm.
Say they: "Do BBFC Examiners scream while they watch slashers? How do they judge what makes audiences scared? How does the BBFC decide what is too frightening, disturbing or harmful for audiences of varying ages, but still understand the pleasures on offer to fans of horror movies?
"Horror has been a popular film genre since the invention of cinema but attitudes about how it should be certificated have changed greatly since the BBFC was established 100 years ago.
"In this illustrated presentation with clips, debate and discussion, BBFC Head of Education Lucy Brett (who has seen it all and lived to tell the tale) shows what was a concern in 1912 and how the BBFC work today to rate horror scenes. The session also covers the treatment of horror films for kids, the difference between supernatural threat and gore, and what happens when horror scenes turn up in films of other genres."
Bring your questions, thoughts and ticket stubs for the 7.30 pm showing of The Blair Witch Project at Sheffield Odeon on August 2 1999 that you were refused entry to because you were underage (not that I’m bitter or anything) for refunds (ahem, don’t hold us to that) and get hold of tickets here.
