China bans toons

The Chinese regulatory authorities prohibit films that combine animation with live action.

Feb 22 2006

Following last week's 'Chico movie' announcement (head here for that slice of strangeness), The TOMB has unearthed another story that lends credence to our theory that the world is about to end.

In a baffling and frankly bizarre declaration, China's State Administration of Radio, Film and Television has banned the import of features that combine animated characters with live actors.

Films that have already received permits however, including 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit?' and 'Space Jam', will continue to air.

According to the state-run Xinhua News Agency, new flicks won't receive distribution because they jeopardize 'the broadcast of homemade animation and mislead their development'.

This isn't a first for the Chinese regulatory authorities either – according to Variety, 'Babe' was banned on the basis that 'animals can't talk and some viewers would be confused'.

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