The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board announced that it is currently deliberating on the request of Warner Brothers to allow the exhibition of the upcoming Hollywood movie “Barbie” in Philippine cinema.
The full statement issued on July 4, 2023:
“We confirm that the Board has reviewed the film “Barbie” today, 04 July 2023. At this time, the assigned Committee on First Review is deliberating on the request of Warner Brothers F.E. Inc. for a Permit to Exhibit.
“Once available, a copy of the Permit to Exhibit or the Committee’s decision will be uploaded to the Agency’s official website: mtrcb.gov.ph.”
The film “Barbie” was embroiled in controversy after it was banned in Vietnam following a scene featuring a map that shows China’s unilaterally claimed territory in the South China Sea, according to a report by theguardian.com.
It added: “The U-shaped ‘nine-dash line’ is used on Chinese maps to illustrate its claims over vast areas of the South China Sea, including swathes of what Vietnam considers its continental shelf, where it has awarded oil concessions.”
ABS-CBN also reported that Senator Francis Tolentino has urged the MTRCB to ban the same movie from local cinemas.
“If the invalidated 9-dash line was indeed depicted in the movie Barbie, then it is incumbent upon the MTRCB to ban the same as it denigrates Philippine sovereignty,” Tolentino said.
“Barbie” stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. It is scheduled to be shown in the Philippines on July 19.
Source: Manila Bulletin | July 4, 2023 | 04:56 PM
