What significant changes were made to film regulations in 1968?

In 1968, a pivotal moment in film history occurred with the introduction of a new voluntary ratings system, which allowed filmmakers to explore more artistic freedom in their storytelling. This change came as a result of growing frustrations with the restrictive Production Code, which had governed film content since the 1930s. The old code imposed strict guidelines that limited the depiction of violence, sexuality, and other mature themes, often leading to sanitized storytelling that did not reflect the realities of contemporary society.

The transition to a voluntary ratings system, established by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), enabled filmmakers to express their creativity and address complex themes without the constraints of the previous censorship. The new system introduced ratings such as G (General Audience), M (Mature), R (Restricted), and X (Adults Only), giving viewers a better understanding of the content and allowing them to make informed choices about what to watch.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the changes in 1968. Increased censorship and restrictions would contradict the move toward artistic freedom, while removing the requirement for script submissions does not reflect the regulatory shifts aimed at content portrayal. Additionally, focusing solely on regulating foreign films would not encompass the broader changes to the American film landscape during that period