Is Zombie Movies Banned in China?
When it comes to China, the most important market outside of the U.S., the subgenre of zombie movies just can’t seem to penetrate the Great Wall. In fact, China won’t allow movies that feature zombies or ghosts. This raises an interesting question: why is this the case?
Why are zombie movies banned in China?
To understand why zombie movies are banned in China, we need to look at the country’s film censorship regulations. China has a strict censorship system in place to ensure that films align with the country’s values and social norms. The regulations are enforced by the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) and the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT).
According to the regulations, films that feature violence, gore, or supernatural themes are often rejected. Zombie movies, with their emphasis on violence, gore, and supernatural themes, are therefore likely to be banned.
What are the exceptions?
While zombie movies are generally banned in China, there are some exceptions. For example, foreign films that are deemed to be of high artistic value or have cultural significance may be allowed to be shown in China. This is the case with films like the 2013 movie "World War Z", which was released in China with some cuts to ensure compliance with local censorship regulations.
How many American movies are allowed in China per year?
Another interesting fact is that China has an annual agreement with Hollywood to import 34 U.S.-made films. This means that a limited number of American movies, including zombie movies, are allowed to be shown in China each year. However, the selection process is strict, and only films that meet certain criteria are allowed to be released in the country.
Are there any notable exceptions to the ban?
Despite the ban on zombie movies, there have been some notable exceptions. For example, the 2013 movie "World War Z" was released in China with some cuts to ensure compliance with local censorship regulations. Similarly, the 2018 movie "Black Panther" was also released in China, despite its superhero theme and action sequences.
What about other horror movies?
While zombie movies are generally banned in China, other types of horror movies may be allowed to be shown in the country. For example, psychological thrillers and supernatural horror movies may be allowed, as long as they are deemed to be of high artistic value or have cultural significance.
What does this mean for international filmmakers?
The ban on zombie movies in China presents a significant challenge for international filmmakers. Filmmakers may need to make significant changes to their movies to ensure compliance with local censorship regulations. This can be a time-consuming and costly process, and may require significant changes to the story, characters, and themes of the movie.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while zombie movies are generally banned in China, there are some notable exceptions. The country’s strict censorship regulations are designed to ensure that films align with local values and social norms. International filmmakers may need to make significant changes to their movies to ensure compliance with local regulations, but the rewards can be significant. With a market of over 1.4 billion people, China is an important destination for filmmakers looking to reach a global audience.