Frequently Asked Questions about Not-For-Profit Film Screenings

Why are some films classified and others not?

Film screenings hosted by registered not-for-profit societies are considered to fall into 1 of 2 categories – film festivals and ongoing screenings.  Film festivals are defined as a program of films curated by a not-for-profit society that occurs once per year.  As film festivals tend to attract niche audiences and the films presented tend to conform to an expected program (e.g. horror film festivals, children’s film festivals), Alberta Film Classification (AFC) exempts these films from classification on an event by event basis.  Organizations are encouraged to inform viewers about potentially controversial content and AFC is available to assist in this process.

All other films shown by registered not-for-profit societies are considered ongoing screenings and must be submitted to AFC for classification.

If a film has already been classified by AFC, the legal rating must be adhered to and advertised even if the film is shown as part of a film festival.

Who classifies films shown at not-for-profit screenings?

Films shown at ongoing screenings hosted by not-for-profit organizations are classified by Alberta Film Classification.

Who is responsible for ensuring classifications are adhered to at not-for-profit screenings

The not-for-profit organization hosting the screening must ensure that all legal requirements of age and accompaniment restrictions are carried out. Ratings should be publicized wherever showtimes are advertised, admission tickets are sold and in any web material created by the organization.  Alberta Film Classification will provide materials on request to not-for-profit organizations to assist in this process.

Alberta Film Classification should be made aware of all classification concerns that may arise at any film screening immediately.