Stone Bros. Classification Review Results - First Indigenous Feature Film Comedy

STONE BROS.

RATING CHANGED BUT TO WHAT EFFECT?

The results of the classification review of the first indigenous comedy Stone Bros. have been announced in Sydney today. Following Federal government intervention, and much public outcry, the review board met on Saturday 12th Sep to hear submissions to reduce the original rating of MA 15+.

The final results uphold the current classification of MA15+, however the consumer advice will change from "Strong Drug Use" to "Drug Use with Strong Impact."

Writer/Director Richard J. Frankland is outraged by this outcome, stating "This decision is absolutely deplorable and very upsetting. Instead of lowering the classification in line with public opinion they have just confused the issue and even made it worse."

This decision directly affects Frankland's original intention for making Stone Bros. Through his work with communities around Australia he has first hand evidence of the need for a film like Stone Bros. to encourage pride and confidence in a disaffected youth that struggle with a disconnection from its cultural roots. His unique 'blackfella' humour ultimately carries a strong anti-drug and pro-culture message that should be enjoyed by all.

This result not only denies a key audience access to the film, but also appears to simply be a rearranging of the words as opposed to a definitive result.

Allanah Zitserman, AFS Managing Director says "We feel the board have confused the issue by changing the consumer advice in a way that appears to be no change at all. Even the Attorney-General's Department official who broke the news to us could not explain or understand the difference."

An immediate review of the original rating was ordered by the Federal Minister for Home Affairs, The Hon. Brendan O'Connor MP.

Letters of support for a reduced rating were presented to the Classification Review on Saturday from:
* Professor Helen Milroy, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
* Lynette Russell, Director and Deputy Dean, Faculty of Arts, Centre for Australian Indigenous Studies, Monash University
* His Hon Judge Stephen Norrish, Chair, Ngara Yura Committee
* Leanne Townsend, Chief Executive Officer, NSW Reconciliation Council
* Dr Peter Lewis Chairperson, ANTaR

Frankland and the distributors AFS are currently considering their options, including going to the Federal Court to pursue this issue further.

Stone Bros. will be released nationally on September 24th.

www.stonebrosmovie.com.au

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Cassie Kelly, Australian Film Syndicate
T: 02 9698-9077
E: [email protected]

SOURCE: Australian Film Syndicate