Following the reclassification in early July of a film released in Luxembourg cinemas i.e. Jurassic World, the Luxembourg Independent Broadcasting Authority and the two companies screening films commercially in the Grand Duchy, Utopia s.a. and Images animées a.s.b.l., decided to issue a joint statement concerning the classification of films here.

The reclassification of Jurassic World to a higher age classification was made in accordance with the amended Law of 20 April 2009 which regulates access to public film performances.

Under this law, for the release of a film in cinemas, an initial classification is made by cinema owners. The Authority is not involved in this self-regulatory process. Just one complaint from one of its members or a member of the public can lead it to take a case.

During this investigation, the Authority controls a film's classification and the mandatory publication of this ranking. If deemed necessary, it may intervene and require operators to apply a higher age classification.

The 5 categories of classification provided by law are: a film can be accessed without being accompanied by:

1. anyone;
2. people aged 6 years and older;
3. people aged 12 and over;
4. people aged 16 and over;
5. people aged 18 and older.

In addition, a film in categories 12+, 16+ and 18+ is accessible to those younger than the age category specified as long as they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Specifically, a 7 year-old child has access to Jurassic World after reclassification to the category 12+, as long as they are accompanied as above.

The classification made by the cinema operator takes into account several criteria established by law including topics such as physical or mental violence or the respect for dignity and human rights.

The classification used by the operators (or, where applicable, by the Authority) can be considered as an indication; the final responsibility always lies with the parents who know their children best.

The Luxembourg Independent Broadcasting Authority is a public institution created in 2013. Apart from the classification of films released in cinemas, it is in charge of the monitoring of radio and television programmes in Luxembourg as well as the allocation of frequencies for local and regional radio stations.