Dear Censor…: The Secret Archive of the British Board of Film Classification

Lifting the lid on the world of cinema censorship, this programme has unique access to the files of the British Board of Film Classification. Featuring explicit and detailed exchanges between the censor and film-makers, 'Dear Censor' casts a wry eye over some of the most infamous cases in the history of the board. From the now seemingly innocuous Rebel Without a Cause, the first 'naturist' films and the infamous works of Ken Russell, and up to Rambo III, this frank and surprisingly warm documentary demonstrates how a body created by the industry to safeguard standards and reflect shifts in public opinion has also worked unexpectedly closely with the film-makers themselves to ensure that their work was able reach an audience.

Loading countdown...
Cobweb

Cobweb

2023

Waves

Waves

2024

Demons and Wonders

Demons and Wonders

1987

Smothered: The Censorship Struggles of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour

Smothered: The Censorship Struggles of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour

2002

Inverosímil Jardiel Poncela

Inverosímil Jardiel Poncela

2014

Historia de la frivolidad

Historia de la frivolidad

1967

Theaters of War

Theaters of War

2022

Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic

Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic

2013

Ai Weiwei: Without Fear or Favour

Ai Weiwei: Without Fear or Favour

2010

Life and Fate by Vassili Grossman

Life and Fate by Vassili Grossman

2018

News Without A Newsroom

News Without A Newsroom

2025

Why Be Good?: Sexuality & Censorship in Early Cinema

Why Be Good?: Sexuality & Censorship in Early Cinema

2007

Empire of the Censors

1995

Porn to Be Free

Porn to Be Free

2016

Barefoot in the Kitchen

Barefoot in the Kitchen

2013

Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th

Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th

2013

Afterimage

Afterimage

2016

Manda huevos

Manda huevos

2016

Big House Blues

Big House Blues

1990

Career

Career

1971