Reconsideration of Film and Trailer Ratings

Film distributors who disagree with a classification assigned by Alberta Film Classification may request to have the original classification decision reviewed.

A reconsideration for a feature film, trailer, commercial or PSA is automatically granted if 3 of the other Canadian film classification jurisdictions using the common classification system have consistently assigned a different alphanumeric classification from Alberta’s.  In all other instances, the granting of a reconsideration is determined based on the rationale provided by the distributor at the discretion of the Director of Arts Services, Arts Branch.

A film distributor is required to submit a completed Film Rating Reconsideration Form for feature film requests and a Trailer Rating Reconsideration Form for trailer, commercial or PSA requests.

Film Rating Reconsideration Form

Trailer Rating Reconsideration Form

The Reconsideration Forms contain interactive form fields and is best viewed with Adobe Acrobat Reader 9, a free download from Adobe.

The decision on whether or not a reconsideration is warranted will be made by 4:30 p.m. on the business day following receipt of the completed reconsideration request.  Alberta Film Classification does not charge a fee for reconsideration screenings.  The distributor must comply with scheduling limitations and provide a copy of the film, trailer, commercial, or PSA for the designated viewing date.  Distributors will only be granted one reconsideration screening.

Within three business days of the reconsideration screening, Alberta Film Classification will inform the distributor of the results of the reconsideration.  If the classification has changed, the new information will be posted at albertafilmratings.ca.