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Globe and Mail - I haven’t seen the film Young People F—-ing, but from what I’ve read, I suspect the most offensive thing is its name.
The Christian right, though, holds it up as an example of pornography funded by Canadian taxpayers. They say it’s proof the federal government must pass controversial Bill C-10, which has nothing to do with arts funding but is a tax bill before a Senate committee on banking.
Where better than a boring tax bill to bury a censorship clause on Canadian film and television? Subsection 120 has risen from beneath the radar, rightly causing a flap. It puts far too much discretion in the hands of the heritage minister to determine what films are “contrary to public policy” — a term not even yet defined. Those deemed offensive by the minister could lose eligibility for publicly funded support.
Amending the Income Tax Act to remove credits for salaries in the film industry will deliver a devastating blow to Canadian film and television. Meanwhile, foreign films made in Canada get to play by different rules. They’re exempt from the clause and will continue to be eligible for income-tax credits, regardless of content.
Just what our culture needs, a cabinet minister with the power to judge films by their title, even when the title is a marketing ploy designed to attract attention. Young People F—-ing is a comedy about relationships and the search for love and sex, not necessarily in that order.
The Toronto International Film Festival rated it one of the top 10 Canadian films for 2007. “Driven by smart, charming performances and a very sharp script … it’s painfully, hysterically accurate.” The panel describes it as “emerging Canadian cinema at its best.” Not if the proponents of the bill have their way… [Full Story]
