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Do you know what the bold letters on the side of movie ads at the cinemas really mean? Those bold letters on the side of movie adverts are not just there for the sake of it. They are movie ratings. Movie ratings are symbols used to classify films/movies for audiences to know their viewing suitability in regards to mature content such as sex, violence, or substance abuse. In most cases, these movie ratings would give age recommendations and countries can decide to make these recommendations restrictive or advisory. In Nigeria, these ratings aren’t advisory. They are restrictive according to the NFCVB act. According to National Film and Video Censors Board, we have 7 distinct movie rating classification in Nigeria: 1. G: Stands for ‘General’. This symbol appears on a green sign on movie banners. Movies with this symbol are suitable for viewing by persons of all age groups. The content in these type of movies is mild or non-existent in impact for children. Since it is suitable for all ages, these movies are highly recommended for children to watch. It means these movies have no age restrictions. Anyone and everyone is allowed to view them. 2. PG: Stands for ‘Parental Guidance’. This symbol appears on a green sign on movie banners. This symbol says, “yes, anyone can view it but for some age groups, 12 and below, parental guidance is recommended.” It may also mean that the movie is great for general viewing but some scenes might be too intense or confusing for younger children, which is why parental guidance is advised for them. 3. 12: Stands for movies not suitable for people under the age of 12. This symbol appears on a yellow sign on movie banners and it is recommended to watch by people of ages 12 and above. This means this movie is not suitable for children below the age of 12. 4. 12A: Stands for movies not suitable for people under the age of 12. This symbol appears on a yellow sign. This symbol tells the audience that the movie may contain scenes that are not suitable for persons under the age of 12. Therefore a child must be accompanied by an adult to view the film. 5. 15: Stands for movies not suitable for people under the age of 15. This symbol appears on a red sign. It is the symbol that tells the audience that the movie may contain scenes that are not suitable for persons under the age of 15 because its content is strong in impact. 6. 18: Stands for movies for not suitable for people under 18. It appears on a red sign. These movies are for mature audiences. No child under the age of 18 should be allowed to watch these movies. 7. RE: Indicates movies that are for restricted exhibition and for other classifications as prescribed by regulations made by the NFCVB.   Movie theatres need to start taking these restrictions more seriously, but if moviegoers know what these movie ratings mean, parents wouldn’t even bring their children when their decision is to watch a movie that is not suitable for their age.         About the Writer: Mary Odunuga is a Writer/Reporter for Connect Nigeria and PR/social media handler for Cribpark. She loves reading, music, watching documentaries, nature and silence. she blogs at (maryimprints.wordpress.com).  
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This article was first published on 10th August 2015

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