Restricting images of actors smoking in movies and theater

From January 2025, images of actors smoking in cinema and theatrical works will not be used; except in cases of criticism or condemnation.

The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism has just issued Circular 14/2024/TT-BVHTTDL (abbreviated as Circular 14) regulating the restriction of the use of images of actors using tobacco in cinematographic and theatrical works and the responsibilities of relevant organizations and individuals. This Circular takes effect from January 25, 2025.

The subjects of application are organizations and individuals organizing art performances; organizations and individuals producing, distributing, disseminating, and classifying films; actors participating in cinematographic works and art performances; other organizations and individuals involved in cinematographic and theatrical works.

Smoking is harmful to health

Circular 14 stipulates: Do not use images of actors using tobacco in cinematographic and theatrical works. Except for the following two cases: 1) Using images of actors using tobacco to criticize and condemn prohibited acts specified in Article 9 and acts violating the obligations of smokers specified in Article 13 of the Law on Prevention of Tobacco Harms; 2) Using images of actors using tobacco in cinematographic and theatrical works for artistic purposes shall comply with the provisions of Articles 4 and 5 of Circular 14.

Using images of actors using tobacco on stage for artistic purposes includes 4 cases: 1) Portraying the image of real historical figures; 2) Recreating a certain historical period; 3) Criticizing and condemning tobacco use; 4) When using tobacco for artistic purposes, actors do not actually smoke on stage.

In case the film has many scenes of actors using tobacco according to the assessment of the Film Appraisal and Classification Council, the distribution of the film must ensure the following requirements: The film must be classified according to the criteria and implement the film classification level and warnings according to the provisions of Circular No. 05/2023/TT-BVHTTDL dated April 5, 2023 of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; there must be health warnings about the harmful effects of tobacco in words or images.

Organizations and individuals organizing art performances, film production, film distribution, film distribution, film classification and other related organizations and individuals are responsible for ensuring that the content restricts the use of images of actors using tobacco in cinematographic and theatrical works according to regulations during the performance of professional work.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/han-che-hinh-anh-dien-vien-hut-thuoc-la-trong-phim-anh-san-khau-185241221214704448.htm