Which films are
suitable for children?

FAQ

It is worth bearing in mind that selecting a film based merely on
its suitable FSK certificate may not be enough to make visiting thecinema an enjoyable experience. FSK age ratings are not recommendations for a certain age group nor hallmarks of quality – andit would certainly be wrong to confuse them with pedagogical tips!
For instance the film "The King's Speech" (2010) received a FSK 0certificate in Germany. This means that there are no restrictions on
who may attend showings. Nevertheless, the storyline would onlybe appealing to children over eight.

Does the cinema pick the FSK certificate?
No. The age rating is issued by FSK, a state-approved institution that acts as a central board of film certification. As cinema
operators, we are obliged to guarantee compliance with the FSK
certificates.

Can I feel safe attending a 3D showing with my child? Yes! 3D
digital is the 21st century's cinema revolution, and is also doubtless a fantastic experience for children. Although 3D technology
does prove tiring on the eyes, like working at a computer, it does
not have any side-effects on the viewer's health – including children. However, the 3D content may make the effects seem more
exciting and suspenseful than in a 2D film. By the way: we havespecial children's 3D glasses for our small visitors.

What happens if the film is certificate 12, the child is 10, but
is accompanied by his or her 19-year-old sister? Is this childallowed to attend the showing?
Yes, because in this case the PG certification applies but only for a
FSK 12-rated film. The parental permission slip, aka “Muttischein”must be completed, but the accompanying person is not the child's
parent and therefore not a primary carer. Neither grandparents,neighbours nor adult siblings can be primary carers in this respect.

Nobody knows your child better than you do! We therefore recommend that you ask yourself whether the film reallysuits how your child experiences the world before you attend
a showing.

What is the difference between a primary carer and acustodian?
Only (foster) parents or legal guardians ((this applies to all
instances where it says “parents”)) can be primary carers. Custodians are those aged over 18 who for a certain period (to visit thecinema) are entrusted by the parents with care of the minor (e.g.
older siblings, relations).

Recommendations for cinema films
Our cinema has fixed time slots in which it shows films for children
and youngsters. You can find out more about our programme inyour local cinema. Our children's magazine Kino-KidsMagazin also
reviews children's films. Reviews in daily newspapers can help in
picking a film. There are also plenty of useful online sites.
www.kinofenster.de The online portal for education in film ismaintained by the German Federal Agency for Civic Education, andVISION KINO provides extensive information on current and older
cinema films. The site also recommends suitable ages.
www.fbw-filmbewertung.com Deutsche Film- und Medienbewertung recommends good films: the ratings organisation isindependent, competent and up to date. Its ratings are as much anaccolade as they are a recommendation.

German movie ratings
Tips & Information forparents and youngsters
when visiting the cinema

Does FSK also issue certificates for advertising and trailers?
Yes. The commercials and trailers shown before the main feature
have the same FSK certificate as the film itself.

When is it necessary to be accompanied by a custodian?
For instance, if a 16-year-old wishes to attend a cinema showing(certificate 16) that does not end until after midnight. In this casethe adolescent may only attend the showing in the company ofa parent (primary carer) or a custodian in possession of specificpermission from the parent (parental permission slip aka“Muttischein”). In accordance with the Law on the Protectionof Youth in Public Places [JuSchG], the transfer of custody only
applies during this specific period. A custodian is also necessary
should a child aged 6 or over wish to watch a FSK 12-rated film.
How is it possible to prove that parental power has beengranted?
The proof that supervisory rights have been granted can beprovided by presenting the attached form (parental permission
slip aka “Muttischein”). You can also download a copy of theform from our homepage.

More information in the cinema and online

FSK certificates /German movieratings

Law on theProtection of Youthin Public Places

Agreement to Transfer Supervisory
Powers in Accordance with the Lawon the Protection of Youth in Public
Places [JuSchG]

Cinema is a magical experience: watching exciting stories projected
on to a huge screen, accompanied by crystal-clear sound, is adifferent world compared to following a film on TV at home.

Time limits and compulsory accompanimentThis assignment of parental powers (“Muttischein”) applies only to thecinema showing listed below, and cannot be transferred to third parties.
The FSK certificates shall apply notwithstanding.

Please bear in mind that the principles underlying movie ratingsin Germany are not necessarily comparable with those underlying
movie ratings in other countries.

Which films are children allowed to watch?
Under law, films produced for children and adolescents –- like allcinema films, cinema commercials, and films that are released onvideo or DVD – require a certificate rating them suitable for certain
age groups. The legal basis is Section 14 (1) of the Law on theProtection of Youth in Public Places [JuSchG].
The age rating certificates are not awarded by the cinema
operator, but rather by Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle der Filmwirtschaft (FSK), an independent ratings organisation within
the umbrella organisation Filmwirtschaft e.V. (SPIO). The German
federal states cooperate to ensure that the FSK certificates arerecognised by the government. The certificates are graded as follows:
FSK 0, FSK 6, FSK 12, FSK 16, and FSK 18. The so-called parental
guidance rule applies to the certificate FSK 12.

Besides the FSK certificates, there are time limits that must
be adhered to when children and adolescents visit the cinema.
As cinema operators, we are required by law to check or ensure thatthe time limits are observed. Therefore, the following applies according
to Section 11 of the Law on the Protection of Youth in Public Places:

AgeFilm title			DateStart and end of the showing

Last name, first name – primary carer (parent or legal guardian)

up to 6
6 to 11

until 8 pm

12 to 13

until 8 pm

14 to 15

until 10 pm

16 to 17

until midnight	Unaccompanied at showings up to (see table for times).

Afterwards only accompanied by a person with parental power.
Persons with parental power area. (foster) parents orb. adults with written authorization from the parents(see parental permission slip aka “Muttischein”).	Only accompanied by a person with parental power.
Persons with parental power area. (foster) parents orb. adults with written authorization from the parents(see parental permission slip aka “Muttischein”).
Unfortunately not allowed to attend the showing.

Telephone (during the cinema showing)

Street, house number		The parental guidance rule (Section11 (2) Law on the Protectionof Youth in Public Spaces) allows parents to attend films in thecompany of their children aged over 6, although the films havereceived a FSK 12 certificate. This exception is intended to encourage entire families to visit the cinema, and to strengthen parental
rights. The PG rule applies to primary carers or accompanying custodian. Signed permission from a parent is sufficient. The parental
guidance rule applies exclusively to FSK 12. The rule does not
apply to any other certificates (FSK 0, 6, 16 or 18).

More information in the cinema and online

Proof of parental power must be provided by presenting theattached form. This assignment of parental power is also available
to download from our homepage. (parental permission slip aka “Muttischein”)
Information on the assignment of supervisory duties The primarycarers (parents) are responsible for selecting the person with parental
powers (accompanying person). Not only must the person with parental
powers be an adult, he/she must also be suitable to fulfil parental tasks(person of authority).
As cinema operators, we are required under Section 2 (1)JuSchG to check that parental powers have been assigned.

Post code, town

Last name, first name – child/adolescent

Date of birth

Street, house number		

Post code, town

Last name, first name – adult companion as person with parental power

Date of birth

Street, house number		What makes the parental guidance rule special?

FSK

Post code, town

I grant my consent that my son/my daughter may be accompanied by the aforementioned
custodian in accordance with Section 1 (1) no. 4 JuSchG. I am enclosing a copy of my official
ID document.

Place, date		

Signature of primary carer (parent)

I am willing to accept supervisory duties. I am enclosing a copy of mypersonal ID document:Place, date				Signature of custodian(adult companion)

We confirm the accuracy of the information we have provided. We have read and understoodthe instructions contained in this information leaflet on how supervision must be provided.