Public events, such as film festivals, that include unclassified films, computer games or submittable publications in their program, are required to be registered in Australia.
Legally your event must:
- comply with conditions regarding how the unclassified material is exhibited and displayed
- be registered to show, demonstrate and display the unclassified material.
What is a registered event?
To qualify as a 'registered event,' an event must wholly or mainly involve, or relate to, the screening of films, demonstration of computer games, and/or display of publications.
A single event may comprise of one or multiple types of media being exhibited or displayed.
Event registrations must be submitted online via the Classification Portal.
Register a public event
Anyone working or volunteering with the organisation holding the event may register an event.
The registration must include:
- the organisation’s contact details
- the event details (start and end date, locations)
- program details about all unclassified:
- films to be screened
- computer games to be publicly demonstrated or made available for play
- publications to be displayed.
Events occurring in multiple locations
When you register an event that will occur in multiple locations, please enter:
- the date the event commences in the first location as the start date, and
- the date the event concludes in the final location as the completion date.
Event and program changes
If any event changes are made after registering the event in the portal, these details must be updated before your event takes place.
Conditions for exhibiting unclassified material
Events need to adhere to the conditions that exist around exhibiting unclassified material in Australia, which include:
- the number of screenings per state or territory (including online screenings)
- the display of a public notice for any age restrictions
- enforcement of age restrictions at registered events
- not showing unclassified material not permitted at registered events.
Number of screenings per state or territory (including online screenings)
Each unclassified film may be screened no more than four times per state or territory during the course of an event. This is regardless of whether it is in-person or online.
Variation to, or exemption from this condition is available on application only, and subject to approval by the Director of the Classification Board under Section 6H of the Classification Act.
Film screening events that are wholly, or partially held online, generally require the submission of a 6H exemption or modification application. All events must have an end date.
Further information on applying for a 6H exemption or modification can be found at Exemption and Modification.
Display of public notice for age restrictions
Events must clearly display any relevant age restrictions to ensure the public can make an informed decision about what they, and those in their care are viewing.
A clear and legible notice about relevant age restrictions should be prominently displayed at each screening location. Other places to provide the notice include:
- point of ticket purchase
- on the event website
- the screening program
- in advertising.
Enforcement of age restrictions at registered events
When exhibiting or displaying unclassified material at your registered event, age restrictions will apply.
Age restriction for 15 years and over
- Films and computer games likely to be classified M or MA 15+ must not be exhibited to anyone under 15 years unless they are accompanied by an adult.
Age restriction for 18 years and over
- Films and computer games likely to be classified R 18+ must be restricted to people aged 18 years and over
- Publications likely to be classified Category 1 restricted must only be displayed to people aged 18 years and over.
Unclassified material not permitted to be shown at registered events
Some unclassified material must not be exhibited and/or demonstrated at any registered event. This includes:
- Films and computer games likely to be classified X 18+ or RC
- Publications likely to be classified Category 2 restricted or RC.
Exemption and modification
Variation to or exemption from the conditions is available on application only and subject to approval by the Director of the Classification Board under section 6H of the Classification Act. You will be required to complete and submit the following application:
Please contact us if you are considering applying for an exemption or modification, or are unsure if one is required for your event.