There will be major changes for the Cinematograph Authority this year to make it more relevant to the current society.

Legislative reform will be the main focus of the authority, which regulates Jamaica's film industry and the exhibition of films to the Jamaican public.

"We are reviewing the act to make it more relevant and give greater effect to the authority in carrying out its functions. We will also be seeking to update the regulations that go along with it," Cinematograph Authority chairman, Joyce Archibald, told The Sunday Gleaner.

The authority was formed under the Cinematograph Act of 1913 and a board was established to regulate the exhibition of films to the public. However, the last time any reform was done to it was in 1923.

power to preview

In an article, 'Legislative Reform Main Focus of Cinematograph Authority in 2009', on the Jamaica Information Service's website, Archibald said the act further seeks to empower the authority to preview films that are to be shown to the public, to ensure that they do not contain elements that would be offensive or that could cause harm to societal norms, values and morals.

In addition to the regulation of films, the authority oversees the inspection of facilities to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to guarantee the safety of patrons and prevent fires and other accidents. They also ensure there is general compliance with health standards.

However, the processes have just begun.

"There are many processes that the act will have to go through but we are doing the first part," Archibald said.

She said the proposals will be taken to Cabinet and all the relevant parties will be allowed to make their contribution.

Archibald said changes will also be made to the public relations and education programme "to heighten awareness of the authority and what it is about.

"It would also seek to educate the public, parents and other stakeholders of what the authority is about," Archibald said.

She said she was alarmed by the fact that some of the people putting on public exhibitions were not aware that they needed permission from the authority.

The public relations and education efforts have been given a boost since there are two communications experts on the board - Hopeton O'Connor-Dennie and Michael Edwards.

limited resources

The other members of the board are Arthur McKinley (vice-chairman) and Alveta Knight.

However, the Cinematograph Authority has been operating with limited resources. In addition, it does not have an official website or office.

"The authority has had to limit the functions according to the resources available to it. The current minister (Olivia Grange, Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports) wants to give heightened effect to the authority. She wants to help us create a secretariat so the authority can function more effectively."

Nonetheless, Archibald said the authority had been doing well with its resources.

"I think that within the scope of the resources we have been doing well, but there is room for improvement and the authority is working to do that through the amendments that will be proposed and the additional resources that will be given by the ministry," Archibald told The Sunday Gleaner.