Battleship Potemkin / Bronenosets Potemkin

In August 1916 the Cinematograph Film Censorship Act was passed, making it illegal to show any film in New Zealand without it first being passed by the Censor. To commemorate 100 years of censorship in New Zealand Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision is showing a number of films that were banned in New Zealand on their initial release, as well as hosting public events that examine the history of film censorship in New Zealand and the challenge of censorship in today's digital age.

"Battleship Potemkin" is Sergei Eisenstein’s classic film about a Russian naval mutiny and massacre of protestors. Released in 1925, it wasn’t allowed to be shown in New Zealand until 1946, and even then only by Film Societies; this is an example of a film censored here for political reasons.

"Since its release, 'Battleship Potemkin' has often been renowned as one of the finest propaganda films ever made and considered amongst the greatest films of all time. The film was named the greatest film of all time at the Brussels World's Fair in 1958. Similarly, in 1952, 'Sight & Sound' magazine cited Battleship Potemkin as the fourth greatest film of all time and has been voted within the top ten in every poll ever since." – Wikipedia entry.