JULY NEWSLETTER

Kia ora koutou

Winter is here and we have a parenting hack for the school holidays: check the rating and content warnings before venturing to the cinema. We've broken down the ratings for all the new releases currently screening near you. 

We've also blogged about keeping yourself safe as a parent when you're just looking to unwind with screen time. It can be a minefield of emotional content out there!

Our newsletters generally talk about topics like sex, drugs, and the media content landscape. Our aim is to have difficult conversations and shine a light on ways to reduce harm for New Zealanders. If you know someone who should receive these updates, please share our newsletter or encourage them to subscribe. Be sure to follow our socials and LinkedIn too.

Aroha atu, aroha mai, tātou i a tātou
Let’s look out for each other

— Chief Censor Caroline Flora

#Mātakitahi #WatchTogether #Kōrerotahi #TalkTogether 

Image: The Bikeriders

A conference weaving people together: International Association for Media and Communications Research

Last week, the Chief Censor and one of our research team attended a day of the IAMCR (International Association for Media and Communications Research) conference. The theme was 'Whiria Te Tāngata - Weaving people together: Communicative projects of decolonising, engaging, and listening'. Over five days more than 1300 papers were presented. The Chief joined a UNESCO panel on the fourth day to talk about the Office's role in the international effort to combat violent extremism. The conference connections were valuable, as they were able to meet colleagues from all over the world working in this space.

Making good viewing decisions over the school holidays

Heading to the cinema with your whānau over the break? We've broken down the ratings and content warnings for each of the new release titles so that you can make decisions that are right for you and your whānau. 

We've listed movies for the whole gang, movies for the older ones who need a little more action in their films, and the more mature titles for older whānau members who might be watching with, or without, you. 

Check out our school holidays cinema ratings guide.

Staying safe when your parenting downtime gets hijacked by tough storylines  

As parents or caregivers, we are constantly having to navigate the tricky waters of deciding which shows are okay for children to watch. But how often do we stop to think about where we draw the line for ourselves?

Everyone has different thresholds when it comes to the shows they watch and the drama they enjoy for downtime. Tools such as ratings and content warnings are not just for rangatahi and tamariki.

Why did The Bikeriders get this classification?

R13: Violence, offensive language, drug use and sexual material

In the late 1960s Kathy falls in love with Benny who is in a motorcycle club. Kathy struggles with their relationship as times change and the club becomes more violent. From director Jeff Nichols (Mud, Take Shelter)

The Bikeriders was classified by the Office and received an R13 with content warnings for violence, offensive language, drug use and sexual material. Read our breakdown of the classification.

Why did I Am: Celine Dion get this rating?

PG: Coarse language, adult themes

In this documentary, Celine Dion pays tribute to her fans as she highlights the music that has shaped her life and reveals her battles with a life-changing illness called Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS).

I Am: Celine Dion was self-rated by Prime and received a PG with content warnings for coarse language and adult themes. Read our breakdown of the rating.

Why did A Family Affair get this rating?

M: Offensive language, sex scenes

A surprising romance kicks off comic consequences for a young woman, her mother and her movie star boss as they face the complications of love, sex and identity.

This film was rated by Netflix and received an M with content warnings for offensive language and sex scenes. Read our breakdown of the rating.

Because our work requires a broad knowledge of the vast online landscape, we consume a lot of media in the office. Here are just a few of the things we’ve found relevant and informative over the past month. Take a break with these media lunch items:

James Cameron and more remember Jon Landau: "He gave everyone a sense of purpose and belonging." (The Hollywood Reporter)

Smudgy chins, weird hands, dodgy numbers: seven signs you're watching a deepfake (The Guardian)