The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) officially commenced the review process for the film Barbie yesterday, July 4.
In a statement sent to Manila Standard Entertainment, the assigned Committee on First Review is currently engaged in deliberations regarding Warner Brothers F.E. Inc.’s request for a Permit to Exhibit.
“Once available, a copy of the Permit to Exhibit or the Committee’s decision will be uploaded to the agency’s official website: mtrcb.gov.ph,” the statement said.
The decision was made after Vietnam prohibited the screening of the highly-anticipated Barbie movie in its cinemas due to scenes featuring a map depicting China’s claims over territorial waters in the South China Sea.
State media announced that the fantasy comedy, directed by Greta Gerwig and featuring actors Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, was originally scheduled for nationwide release on July 21.
However, following the government’s decision to ban the film due to the inclusion of the controversial nine-dash line, major cinema chains in Vietnam have removed the movie’s showtimes from their websites.