Graphic videos of accidents screened before children’s films
This graphic video is screened before every movie, including "U" rated films.
By Tej Sapru
BANGALORE (Nov. 30)—The Bangalore City Traffic Police have been screening a short movie featuring graphic footage of traffic accidents before all films in Bangalore—including children’s films.
“I don’t think it is appropriate. I think children who see this could be quite traumatized by it,” said Sadhana Herur, a mother of two children.
The Central Board of Film Certification makes sure that films do not have violent content before giving them a “U” (unrestricted public exhibition) rating. They run any trailers that play before the film through the same screening process.
According to the CBFC, rating trailers is equally important because if a child is exposed to graphic content in a trailer before a U-rated movie, it defeats the purpose of the rating system. However, the traffic police movie has not been rated.
“The message that they are trying to convey is good, but they have to give a thought to the visuals—they have to be appropriate,” said Mr. Nagaraj, regional officer for the CBFC.
However the police believe the campaign is one of the best ways to raise awareness about traffic accidents. According to them, the number of accidents has gone down since the film started screening a month ago.
“Children should see the film,” said M.A. Salim, the city’s assistant commissioner of traffic. “These are the harsh realities of life.”
“To begin with, these ads are very ineffective; when you see them by the side of the road they actually distract you and could cause more accidents,” said independent filmmaker Nina Subramani. “Also, I am very particular about the kind of images my child is exposed to and would not like my child to view such disturbing ads,”
But some parents believe that these harsh realities can have a damaging impact on children when shown visually.
“My children have been through quite a bit with accidents,” Sadhana said. “Their school bus ran over a girl on a scooter and she died. It was very traumatic for them. Imagine if they saw this.”
