Film Censorship in the Asia-Pacific Region

Legal Frameworks and Filmmakers' Perspectives

By: Saw Tiong Guan

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eText | 16 July 2026 | Edition Number 1

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This book is a comparative study of state-based film censorship laws and practices in the Asia-Pacific region.

It provides crucial historical context for each of the common law traditions in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Australia - all former British colonies - and compares it to the tradition of civil law and the lese majeste law in Thailand. The book sets out to analyse the approach to film censorship of four Asian-Pacific countries. It does so largely from a doctrinal perspective, reviewing each country's legal history and impact on the local film industry. Chapters detail censorship practices in each jurisdiction, key opinions and issues within individual states, and conclude with options for judicial review and insights relevant to the Malaysian film industry. The book also contains interviews with prominent film practitioners and censorship authorities. Their range of opinions contextualises the doctrinal research and demonstrates the effects of film censorship on artistic vibrancy and commercial viability of the film industries.

With its comparative approach to exploring how censorship and state regulation impact local film industries, this book will interest scholars of film studies, Asian studies and media law.