‘obscene’ Films Claim Denied (Press, 22 February 1980)
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Summary: ‘obscene’ Films Claim Denied (Press, 22 February 1980)
On 22 February 1980, the Department of Education in Wellington responded to allegations made by Miss Patricia Bartlett from the Society for the Promotion of Community Standards, who claimed that the National Film Library had purchased “obscene” films aimed at school children. Miss Bartlett expressed concern that public funds had been expended on a series of six films dealing with themes of sex and sexual perversion that were intended for educational use. Mr P.G. Brice, the director of curriculum development at the Department of Education, refuted these claims, clarifying that the films in question were classified as “T.SP”. This classification indicated that the films were suitable only for tertiary students or special audiences, rather than for a younger school audience. The films were produced by Film Australia, which is the Australian equivalent of New Zealand's National Film Unit, and were requested for inclusion in the National Film Library by university and marriage guidance staff. The series of films is titled "Growing Up" and is described by its producers as a set of trigger films designed to encourage discussions around adolescent sexual behaviour and social expectations. The content of these films focuses on the personal experiences of young people, intending to facilitate comprehensive discussions. It was noted that previewing these films before screening is essential to evaluate their suitability for specific audiences and to develop relevant discussion materials. Mr Brice emphasised that the films would not be made available to school children, addressing Miss Bartlett's concerns directly. He indicated that access to the films is restricted to members of the National Film Library, with a subscriber base of approximately 3,000 schools and around 5,500 community members. The Department of Education’s stance is clear in ensuring that while educational resources addressing sensitive topics may exist, they are not intended for general consumption by primary or secondary school students.
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