Doha: Local cinemas and commercial complexes do not have proper checks in place for films that have age-restricted content, many concerned citizens say.
Many are complaining that cinemas and commercial centres are not complying with the Qatari law that prevents children from watching films that are not suitable for their age, a local Arabic newspaper reported yesterday.
Most children have easy access to watch movies that are meant for people above 18 because no one at the ticket counter enquires about their age. This includes films that have violent as well as socially and culturally sensitive content.
One national was particularly angry when he saw many children coming out of the hall after screening of an age-restricted film and took up the issue with the administration of the cinema.
“I was just told that the cinema takes prior approval from the local board that censors films,” the national was quoted as saying.
Abdur Rehman Mohsen El Mokadem, General Manager of Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution Co, told this newspaper that commercial centres or cinemas cannot be blamed if youngsters watch specific films.
“Before you buy a ticket, the age specification is given in each film. The distribution company also announces the same through newspapers before screening films,” El Mokadem said.
In many cases children go to the cinema with their nannies or housemaids, and in some cases, without any adult supervision. Parents simply leave their children in malls while they shop around. “Why do parents give money to their children to watch films without even checking what it is that they are going to see?” asked another national.
Another concern of some parents is of previews and advertisements that are shown in some cinemas that screen films for children. “I took my children to see an animated film and I was surprised when they showed the trailer of a film for adults before it. There is a need to regulate advertisements and trailers shown during films for children,” said a parent.
The Peninsula
