Christians call for ban on film with ‘horrific’ suicide scenes

♦ The Christian Institute has called for a ban on a controversial film about the notorious Norwegian black metal band, Mayhem, that features graphic scenes of self-harm, suicide and the burning of churches.

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is understood to have been so concerned about Lords of Chaos that suicide prevention experts were consulted before it was given an 18 certificate.

The Christian Institute, a non-denominational charity, said it was “surprised” the film was not banned at a time when “many are concerned about the role of social media in suicide among young people”.

Simon Calvert, its deputy director, said: “In the current climate of concern over self-harm and suicide, you would have thought there might have been more consideration of the risk vulnerable people might imitate what they see.”

The BBFC said that while scenes were “painful, protracted and horrific”, they did not promote or glamorise suicide.