Film classifications

Consumer Protection Division

4th Floor, 2365 Albert Street

Regina, SK, S4P 4K1

Tel: (306)787-5550

Toll free: (877) 880-5550

Fax: (306)787-9779

Film classifications

Saskatchewan Film Classification (SFC) provides information to consumers about movie ratings, reviews and classifies films to be shown in Saskatchewan, and administers the regulations for exhibitors, wholesalers, and retailers. Consumers can file complaints with the SFC office, and exhibitors can appeal the SFC director's decisions.

For more information about film classifications in Saskatchewan, select one of the options below.

Film ratings search
Classification categories and advisories
Classification symbols
US film classification ratings comparison

Film ratings search

There are many online resources for film summaries. Though film websites may be informative, the positions and ratings of other agencies do not necessarily conform to the views, positions, or ratings of the Saskatchewan Film Classification office. Ratings and reviews from online resources should not be relied on for exhibition, distribution, or classification purposes in Saskatchewan.

Consult the following links for additional information about your favourite films:

Screen It
Common Sense Media
Internet Movie Database
Kids-in-Mind Movie Ratings
Rotten Tomatoes
Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB)
Itcher Entertainment Assistant

To have your site included in the list above, please contact the FCAA. Listing is subject to the approval of the Film Classification Office.

Classification categories and advisories

With few exceptions, films and videos distributed, rented, sold, or publicly exhibited in Saskatchewan must be rated or classified in one of the following categories:

General (G)
Parental guidance (PG)
14 years of age or older, or under 14 if accompanied by an adult (14A)
18 years of age or older, or under 18 if accompanied by an adult (18A)
Restricted (R)
Adult (A)

Each film is also required to list applicable informational advisories, including:

Not recommended for children
Mature theme
Language may offend
Coarse language
Crude content
Violence
Brutal violence
Sexual violence
Nudity
Sexual content
Gory scenes
Frightening scenes
Disturbing content
Substance abuse

Every exhibitor and distributor, on all advertising, at all public exhibitions, and at the theatre box office, must display information that explains the informational advisories and film classification categories.

Classification and Symbols

	General (G) A film is classified as “General” if the contents are considered acceptable for all age groups. Films with this rating are allowed to include: occasional violence, occasional swearing and coarse language, the most innocent of sexually suggestive scenes and nudity. If a film includes any of the above, a warning accompanying the films advertisements may be required.
	Parental Guidance (PG) A film is classified as “Parental Guidance” where the themes or content of the film may not be suitable for all children, although there is no age restriction.
	14A A film is classified as “14A” where the film is suitable for viewing by people aged 14 or older. Children under 14 are admitted only if accompanied by an adult. Films with this rating may contain: violence, coarse language, and/or sexually suggestive scenes. Parents Cautioned
	18A A film is classified as “18A” where the film is suitable for viewing by people aged 18 or older. People under age 18 will not be admitted, unless accompanied by an adult. Films with this rating may contain: horror, explicit violence, frequent coarse language, and sexually suggestive scenes. Parents Strongly Cautioned
	Restricted (R) People under the age of 18 are not granted entrance to “Restricted” films. Films with a restricted rating contain some or all of the following: sexually explicit scenes, brutal violence, intense horror and/or other disturbing scenes, and frequent use of coarse language and swearing.
	Adult (A) Admittance to films classified as “Adult” is restricted to people 18 years and older. The film contains predominantly sexually explicit activity.

US film classification ratings comparison

Films in the US are classified by the American ratings body, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). While US ratings are generally similar to those in the province, they are not identical. In all cases, the appropriate Saskatchewan rating must be displayed.

Since the US ratings are often advertised in Saskatchewan, the table below provides a comparison of the ratings from the two classification bodies.

Rating Summary	SK	MPAA
General (G): suitable for viewing by all ages.	G	G
PG: parental guidance is advised. The themes or other content may not be suitable for all children.	PG	PG
14A: indicates that persons under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. May contain violence, coarse language, and/or sexually suggestive scenes. Parents are cautioned. PG -13: parents are cautioned that some material may not be suitable for children under the age of 13.	14A	PG 13
18A: suitable for viewing by persons 18 years of age or older. Persons under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. May contain explicit violence, frequent coarse language, sexual activity and/or horror. R: patrons under 17 are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.	18A	R
Restricted (R): admittance is restricted to persons 18 years of age and older. The content is not suitable for minors. The film contains frequent sexual activity, brutal/graphic violence, intense horror and/or other disturbing content. NC-17: no one under 17 years of age is admitted.	R	NC-17