Websites which broadcast short films without permission will face new regulations in China in late August early September, according to the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT).
The administration has listed the websites of Sina, Sohu and Netease as authorized providers of online video broadcasts. But others face an uncertain future as the administration will inspect the online video content they release. SARFT has emphasized strict measures will be enforced to prevent any malpractice.
Despite a rising popularity in the short films they're often parodies of classic movies or events which occur in everyday life and have spread quickly on the Internet provoking controversies on morality and intellectual property rights protection.
A 10-minute video using clips from the 1974 patriotic film about the Chinese revolution "Sparkling Red Star" is now under the spotlight. Pan Dongzi, a heroic boy in the original movie, has been changed into a pop star "wannabe" who competes in a CCTV (China Central Television) singing contest.
It has received severe criticism. Some commentators believe satire should not go too far and the distortion of stories about heroes and China's revolutionary history was immoral and unacceptable.
(Xinhua News Agency August 16, 2006)
