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Regarding a press report today (January 29) on the film classification of "Himalaya Singh", a spokesman for the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority (TELA) made the following statement:

There is absolutely no delay in the classification of the film "Himalaya Singh". TELA received the film from China Star Hong Kong Distribution Limited on January 24, 2005. In accordance with standard procedures, TELA invited film censorship advisers, who are members of the public, to express their views on the film. TELA's performance pledge is to inform the film company of the classification result within eight working days from the receipt of the film, i.e. on or before February 1.

Under the Film Censorship Ordinance, a censor in examining a film has to consider not only the degree of violence or obscenity, but also the likely impact of the film on racial or religious groups.

Since a religious group had expressed concern about the advertising materials of the film, TELA invited the religious group in question, as well as representatives from the Indian Consulate-General and other concerned organisations, to view the film yesterday and today to collect their views.

The classification process was completed this morning. After considering the views of the censors, the film censorship advisers and the relevant organisations, the Film Censorship Authority classified the film as Category IIA.

Ends/Saturday, January 29, 2005

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