THE Whitby in Shorts and Bram Stoker International Film Festival could be axed due to new film classification rules.
Scarborough Borough Council (SBC)'s licensing committee met on Monday and agreed each film shown in public must be given an age classification if not already covered by British Board of Film Classification.
As some films are made by amateur film-m
akers and not on general release, SBC will have to award certification, or the festival will have to apply for an exemption.
Whitby in Shorts is due to take place between 5 and 13 September.
The only venue licensed for showing films in Whitby is The Coliseum
Any other premises would have to apply for temporary event notices or to vary their existing license under the Licensing Act 2003.
The exhibition of a film becomes licensable where it is provided for the purpose of entertaining an audience.
The Bram Stoker International Film Festival runs from 16-19 October at Whitby Pavilion.
The festival shows independent features, documentaries and shorts.
Ingrid Pitt, who most famously played Countess Dracula, is a guest speaker.
Irate director Mike McCarthy said: "I was informed late on Tuesday about a report stating procedures for the classifications of films had been implemented.
"I spoke to the licensing officer and he was not aware of the Bram Stoker International Film Festival.
"I thought that unusual as we made representation to the chief executive and have a two-year rolling contract to host the festival at the council-owned Pavilion starting in October.
"We are very concerned. We have filmmakers and producers flying in from all corners of the globe.
"It's unusual for a festival to have this kind of legislation imposed. It is standard for film festivals to show unrated movies.
"We have policies in place for what we deem unsuitable. At a festival like ours people expect horror movies.
"Films are subjective. You could find faults in Bambi if you wanted to.
"Our festival is 18-plus, our programme states movies are unrated.
"Organisers have enough savvy to police their own festival.
"The council should invite organisers to form a working partnership.
"Discussions should take place soon to achieve a sense of perspective."
Nigel Ward, who runs the Whitby in Shorts film festival, said he had no comment to make to the Whitby Gazette.
Andy Skelton, SBC's head of environmental services said: "The licensing service has not been contacted by Mr Ward, although we have advised him of procedures.
"Mr McCarthy, has contacted licensing to say he wishes to apply for waivers to classification which we will deal with.
"The council has not introduced new rules or regulations, but merely set out how it intends to deal with classification issues. I was surprised the organisers of major festivals should be unaware of legislation, but my staff will be happy to explain their responsibilities."
