Websites which broadcast short films without permission will
face new regulations in China in late August early September,
according to the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television
(SARFT).
The administration has listed the websites of Sina, Sohu and
Netease as authorized providers of online video broadcasts. But
others face an uncertain future as the administration will inspect
the online video content they release. SARFT has emphasized strict
measures will be enforced to prevent any malpractice.
Despite a rising popularity in the short films they're often
parodies of classic movies or events which occur in everyday life
and have spread quickly on the Internet provoking controversies on
morality and intellectual property rights protection.
A 10-minute video using clips from the 1974 patriotic film about
the Chinese revolution "Sparkling Red Star" is now under the
spotlight. Pan Dongzi, a heroic boy in the original movie, has been
changed into a pop star "wannabe" who competes in a CCTV (China
Central Television) singing contest.
It has received severe criticism. Some commentators believe
satire should not go too far and the distortion of stories about
heroes and China's revolutionary history was immoral and
unacceptable.
(Xinhua News Agency August 16, 2006)
