Certificates and Target Audiences

After researching film certificates on the BBFC website, we decided as a group that our film was best targeted at a certificate of 15.

'15' – Suitable only for 15 years and overNo-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video or DVD.
Theme
No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate to 15 year olds.
Language
There may be frequent use of strong language (eg 'fuck'). But the strongest terms (eg 'cunt') will be acceptable only where justified by the context. Continued aggressive use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.
Nudity
Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.SexSexual activity may be portrayed but without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour.
Violence
Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief.
Imitable techniques
Dangerous techniques (eg combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
Horror
Strong threat and menace are permitted. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.
Drugs
Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.

In terms of language our film does contain strong language but not of the strongest terms, it is used quite frequently so it would not be suitable for anyone below the certificate of 15. An imitable technique - suicide, is used in our film but is not dwelled on and the means of doing it is not glamorised, there is however the use of strong threat and menace between the characters but no gore. These are the reasons why we decided that 15 was the best certificate for our film along with the sub-genre of psychological thriller as deceptive games and elements from the mystery genre are used, so younger people may find it harder to understand.