Local News in Brief : USIA Clears 2 Films
Under court order, the U.S Information Agency has revised its opinion regarding two documentary films previously denied certification for duty-free status abroad, agency officials said.
The revision was ordered by a Los Angeles federal judge hearing a lawsuit brought by a group of film makers against the USIA, claiming the agency practiced unconstitutional censorship.
The documentary “Whatever happened to Childhood?” was passed unconditionally and “From the Ashes . . . Nicaragua Today,” was allowed tax-free status with a “propaganda” warning label attached.
Four other films were left uncertified, under agency guidelines that exported audio or visual materials given certificates for import tax exemption must have “educational, scientific or cultural character.”
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