In 1994, the film “Exit to Eden” may have faded from memory for many, but for Frank Cox, the owner of Melville Theatre, it left a lasting impression as a box-office success in Saskatchewan. Despite facing a ban from the Saskatchewan Film Classification Board due to its provocative content, the Hollywood comedy featuring Dan Aykroyd and Rosie O’Donnell attracted significant attention. The initial ban only served to generate more interest in the film, leading to long queues outside theaters eager to catch a glimpse of the forbidden movie.
Following the buzz surrounding the controversy, the provincial government opted to delegate film classification responsibilities for new releases to a British Columbia agency utilizing a similar age-based rating system as Saskatchewan. Every film shown, rented, or sold in the province now requires a classification from the Saskatchewan Film Classification office under the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority (FCAA), with some exceptions allowing theaters to use ratings from other provinces.
Effective April 1, the Film Content Information Act introduced by the Sask. Party government will eliminate the age-based rating mandate for theatrical films. Theatres will no longer be obligated to obtain government classifications for new or unrated films, replacing traditional ratings like PG or 18A with personalized content descriptions for each film displayed.
Frank Cox expressed support for the upcoming changes, emphasizing a shift towards allowing theaters more autonomy in selecting films based on audience preferences rather than adhering to a pre-approved list. He highlighted the evolving standards and preferences in the film industry, suggesting that outdated film ratings may no longer accurately reflect contemporary viewing trends.
Scott Hamilton, responsible for film programming at the Broadway Theatre in Saskatoon, acknowledged the financial burden that film classification can impose on smaller theaters. He noted that the costs associated with obtaining classification for unconventional films could deter theaters from showcasing artistically compelling works. The recent legislative changes aim to streamline the classification process, providing relief for independent theaters by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and associated expenses.