1/ HRF expresses concern surrounding the Hong Kong government’s use of the amended Film Censorship Ordinance to suppress freedom of expression. HRF calls for transparency in censorship decisions and urges for an independent audit of how “national security” assessments are made.

2/ The ordinance was last amended in Oct. 2021 to include national security clauses, mandating all films to be reviewed and approved by the Office for Film, Newspaper and Article Administration (OFNAA) before public screenings. The government can demand content removals, revoke approvals retroactively, and conduct warrantless searches.

3/ According to a local newspaper, more than 39,000 films were submitted for review since 2021. Only 104 were reportedly allowed to be screened after content edits. Of the 104, 50 were modified due to “national security” concerns. 13 titles were banned from screening. https://hongkongfp.com/2025/10/08/hong-kong-bars-13-films-from-screening-on-national-security-grounds-since-2021-censorship-law/

4/ Hong Kong’s film censorship is an example of how authoritarians extend their “rule-by-law” control into pop culture to normalize self-censorship and accelerate the erosion of fundamental freedoms.