This book is a comparative study of state-based film censorship laws and practices in the Asia-Pacific region.It provides crucial historical context for each of the common law traditions in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Australia – all former British colonies – and compares it to the tradition of civil law and the lèse majesté law in Thailand. The book sets out to analyse the approach to film censorship of four Asian-Pacific countries. It does so largely from a doctrinal perspective, reviewing each country’s legal history and impact on the local film industry. Chapters detail censorship practices in each jurisdiction, key opinions and issues within individual states, and conclude with options for judicial review and insights relevant to the Malaysian film industry. The book also contains interviews with prominent film practitioners and censorship authorities. Their range of opinions contextualises the doctrinal research and demonstrates the effects of film censorship on artistic vibrancy and commercial viability of the film industries.With its comparative approach to exploring how censorship and state regulation impact local film industries, this book will interest scholars of film studies, Asian studies and media law.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum:2026-07-16
Mått:156 x 234 x 16 mm
Vikt:650 g
Format:Inbunden
Språk:Engelska
Serie:Routledge Research in Media Law
Antal sidor:242
Förlag:Taylor & Francis Ltd
ISBN:9781032833866

Utforska kategorier

Komparativ rätt inom Juridik
Underhållning och media: Juridik inom Juridik
Film inom Kultur

Mer om författaren

Saw Tiong Guan is an associate professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya, Malaysia. He obtained his doctorate degree from the University of Melbourne and is an advocate and solicitor of the High Court of Malaya. He is also a film director and producer.

Innehållsförteckning

Table of CasesTable of statutes and rules List of filmsList of Interviewees Preface1 Introduction Setting the scene Structure of the book Legal literature about freedom of expression, obscenity and censorship 2 The Film Industries in Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia andThailand in Their Socio-Legal Context Introduction Malaysia Hong Kong Australia ThailandSummary 3 Film Censorship Systems in Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia and Thailand:The Laws, Guidelines and Processes Introduction The Malaysian system The Hong Kong system The Australian system The Thai systemConclusion 4 Film censorship systems in Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia and Thailand:The Key Issues Introduction The Malaysian system The Hong Kong system The Australian systemThe Thai systemSummary: an evaluation of the key issues 5 Film Censorship Systems in Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia and Thailand: The Practitioners’ Opinions and Experiences Introduction Film practitioners’ opinions of the key issues Summary 6 Judicial Review of Film Censorship Decisions Introduction The grounds of judicial review The availability of judicial review to film practitioners: the filter mechanismsRemedies available under judicial review application: what can the applicant-film practitioner achieve?Judicial review of film censorship decisions: the best option?7 Conclusion: Proposals for the Reform of the MalaysianFilm Censorship System and Further Research Introduction The areas of concern in the Malaysian film censorship system and proposals for reformThe areas of concern in the Hong Kong, Australian and Thai filmcensorship systems for further research Conclusion NotesBibliographyIndex