MDA's Decision To Classify 'To Singapore, With Love' As Not Allowed For All Ratings Upheld

SINGAPORE, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- The Films Appeal Committee (FAC) has decided to uphold the Media Development Authority's decision to classify the documentary 'To Singapore, With Love' (TSWL) as Not Allowed For All Ratings (NAR). In a statement issued Wednesday, FAC said it had heard the appeal lodged by the film director, Tan Pin Pin, against the Media Development Authority's (MDA) decision to classify the film as NAR. Having considered the director's representations, as well as the views of the MDA and relevant government agencies, the FAC said it upheld MDA's NAR classification for TSWL. Of the 12 members present, nine members voted to uphold the NAR decision, while three members voted for a Restricted 21 (R21) rating. The FAC noted the film director's explanation that the film was intended to relate the personal stories and emotions of people who had been away from Singapore for an extended length of time due to various circumstances. While of commendable artistic standard, the FAC found the film to be a one-sided account with minimal attempts to provide a balanced mix of views beyond those provided by the interviewees featured in the film. --BERNAMA