Frequently asked questions

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Is the classification of films currently playing in movie theatres mandatory?

Yes. All films shown in movie theatres in Québec must be classified by the Régie du cinéma, whatever their running time, language or medium.

However, Section 77 of the Cinema Act provides for certain exceptions, such as films presented as part of a movie festival that is recognized by the Régie. For example, the Festival des films du monde and the Festival du nouveau cinéma et des nouveaux médias, both recognized by the Régie, can show films that have not been classified by the Régie.

Is the classification of videos and DVDs mandatory?

Yes. Within the meaning of the Act, videos and DVDs both are considered as films. Consequently, they must be classified by the Régie, whether feature films or short features, compilations, films followed by short feature documentaries or making-of features, etc.

Note: Classification takes into account the video or DVD in its entirety, and not each of its constituent parts. This means that it is possible that a film classified in a certain category when first shown in theatres could be assigned a different classification when it is re-issued on video or DVD. This would be the case, for example, for a DVD that, in addition to the feature film, would contain scenes previously excluded by the producer, or for a video where the feature film is preceded by a trailer that would justify a change in classification when the video or DVD is considered as a whole.

Is there censorship in Québec?

Censorship in Québec was officially abolished in 1967 with the creation of the Bureau de surveillance du cinéma. Should the Régie du cinéma feel that a film interferes with public order, it can refuse to classify it, which would mean that the film could not be distributed in Québec. In all other cases, the Régie will classify a film into one of the age-appropriate categories provided by the Cinema Act.

Must all videos and all DVDs bear a sticker issued by the Régie?

Yes. All videos and all DVDs intended for sale or rental in Québec must bear a sticker issued by the Régie, indicating the film’s classification.

Even those sold at flea markets?
Yes.
Even those sold in second-hand stores?
Yes.
Even films in a language other than French or English?
Yes.

Where will I find the Régie’s sticker on a video?

On the product’s packaging for copies of a film intended for retail sale.
On the video case rental outlets use for display when copies of a film are intended for rental. The part of the sticker on which the title of the film and its classification appear must be affixed directly on the video cassette’s window.

Where will I find the Régie’s sticker on a DVD?

On the packaging when a DVD is intended for sale.
On the film’s original jacket when a DVD is intended for rental.

When buying a video for domestic use, should I keep the Régie’s sticker that is affixed to the packaging?

We recommend that you do keep the sticker and affix it according to the above guidelines. This will make it easier for you and others to remember the film’s classification. Also, this will enable you to resell the video or DVD without any problem.

Must all films shown in movie theatres have a French-language version?

No. A film can be shown in theatres in Québec even if there is no French-language version of it. During the first 45 days of a film’s first theatre showing in Québec, it can be presented on a limited number of screens. After that, the distributor can only run one copy of the film.

Note: Even when the French-language version of a film is available, it is up to the distributor to determine where copies will be sent. The distributor can decide, for a given region, to send no French-language copies, provided that the number of French-language copies available throughout the province in relation to the number of copies in another language complies with the requirements of the Cinema Act.

Must all films available in retail outlets have a French-language version?

No. The Cinema Act makes no requirement concerning the language of video material. It is also possible for a film to be marketed on video in the French-language version and for the DVD edition of the same film to have no French track. This decision is entirely up to the film’s distributor.

Why are there several classification systems in Canada?

Film classification does not follow the same principles and regulations throughout Canada and the world. Generally, when adopting their own criteria, classification agencies are looking to make decisions that are in accordance with the commonly shared values of the communities they serve. This is why every Canadian province and every country have their own classification systems.

Note: Certain Canadian provinces have agreed to use a common classification system. Others, such as Québec, have elected to set up their own system.

Does the Régie du cinéma classify television programs?

No. Television is a federal responsibility. As a Québec Government agency, the Régie du cinéma has no authority to classify television programs, whether original television programs or films broadcast on television.

Note: French television broadcasters in Québec have agreed to classify films using age-category icons similar to those used by the Régie. However, broadcasters have full responsibility regarding the classification they provide, and are under no obligation to use the same classification as that assigned by the Régie.

Note: When television programs are marketed on video or DVD after their initial broadcast, they are considered as “films”, and will then be classified by the Régie.

How can a film rated “R” (Restricted) in the United States be classified in the “13 and over” and even “Visa général” (For all) category in Québec?

In the United States, there is no legislation governing film classification. Ratings are established by the Motion Picture Association (MPA), an organization representing the movie industry, for the sole purpose of informing parents. There are no legal obligations attached to the ratings so that viewers are free to abide by them or not. Therefore, an “R” rating suggests that access be limited to persons 17 and over, or that children under 17 be accompanied by an adult. Children can be admitted in a movie theatre, or buy or rent a film, without the presence or authorization of an adult whether they are 7, 8, 13 or 15 years old. So, as you see, an “R” rating does not mean that a film is forbidden to children and adolescents.

Note: In Québec, ratings are established by the Régie du cinéma and have force of law. Classification is not meant only to inform. When a film is rated “13 and over”, a child under that age cannot be admitted unless accompanied by an adult. For films rated “16 and over”, a person must show proof of age to be admitted, whether or not he or she is accompanied by an adult.

As a viewer, can I request that the classification of a film be changed?

No. Current legislation only gives this right to the distributor who has submitted the film to the Régie du cinéma for classification.

Note: If you disagree with the classification of a film, you can send us your comments.

Do I need a licence to sell or rent video material?

Yes. If you operate a retail outlet where you sell and/or rent video material, it is mandatory that you hold a video material retail dealer’s licence issued by the Régie du cinéma. You can get the form you will need to apply for a licence by downloading it from our site (Demande de permis) or by contacting the Régie.

Note: This requirement also applies to video vending machines. Dealers operating these machines must hold a licence for the facilities where the machine is located. Those who operate such vending machines must also take measures to verify the age of their clients if films of a class other than “Visa général” (For all) are to be available through these machines.

Do I need a general distributor’s licence?

Yes. If you sell, rent, lend or exchange copies of films which, at the time of their acquisition, do not bear a Régie du cinéma stamp or sticker, it is mandatory that you hold a general distributor’s licence. You can get the form you will need to apply for a licence by downloading it from our site (Demande de permis ) or by contacting the Régie.

For a film I produced myself?

Yes. It is mandatory that you hold a general distributor’s licence if you do not intend to assign the distribution rights of your film to the holder of a general distributor’s licence and prefer to market your product yourself.

Do I need an exhibitor’s licence ?

To show a film in a school?

Yes, when such showings are for recreational purposes. The school must submit an application for a multipurpose hall exhibitor’s licence. You can get the form you will need to apply for a licence by downloading it from our site (Demande de permis ) or by contacting the Régie. Furthermore, the school can only show films bearing the Régie’s stamp for exhibition to the public, and must limit the choice of films to those with age-appropriate classification.

No, when the showings are for educational or pedagogical purposes. However, it is mandatory that films presented to pupils bear the sticker issued by the Régie.

To show a film at a community or municipal activity?

Yes. The municipality or the community organization must submit an application for a multipurpose hall exhibitor’s licence. You can get the form you will need to apply for a licence by downloading it from our site (Demande de permis) or by contacting the Régie. The municipality or community organization must only show films bearing the Régie’s stamp for exhibition to the public, and must restrict access to people of appropriate age for the film’s classification.

To show films in a park?

Yes. The municipality or organization must submit an application for a multipurpose hall exhibitor’s licence. You can get the form you will need to apply for a licence by downloading it from our site (Demande de permis ) or by contacting the Régie. The films shown must bear the Régie’s stamps for exhibition to the public.

To show a film in a bar or restaurant?

No. You do not need a licence from the Régie du cinéma. However, you must hold a permit from the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux with authorization to exhibit films to the public.

What if I don’t have a liquor permit?

You must then submit an application for a multipurpose hall exhibitor’s licence. You can get the form you will need to apply for a licence by downloading it from our site (Demande de permis) or by contacting the Régie.

Where can I get films bearing the Régie’s stamp for exhibition to the public?

Some companies specialize in the distribution of films to be shown in locations other than commercial movie theatres. To get their contact information, please contact the Régie’s Client Services Department.

How long does it take to get a licence?

Usually 2 to 3 working days after reception of the required documents, including a cheque made out to the Ministre des Finances in payment of the licence’s fees and duties.

What should I do if I forgot to renew my licence before the expiry date?

You must submit a new application for licence, pay the related fees, and also a processing fee.

Can a film be presented on screen in a video club?

Yes, provided that the club operator sees to it that the material shown is not in the “16 and over” or “18 and over” categories.

Note: A video club cannot show on screen films classified “13 and over – Horror” or “13 and over – Violence” before 8:30 p.m

How should films rated “18 and over - Explicit sex” be displayed in retail outlets?

Those films must be kept out of the view of minors at all times. For more details, please see the section: Inspection of establishments governed by the Cinema Act

Can retail outlets use posters to advertise films rated “18 and over- Explicit sex”?

No. This type of advertisement can only be posted in a room reserved exclusively for display of this material, or presented in a catalogue whose access is strictly reserved to adults.

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