MY MOVIE WEEKwith Mike Shaw

» A strange law in Utah, USA, has led to a cinema being fined for showing The Hangover II, pictured.

The state of Utah has decided that showing a movie featuring naked bodies makes a cinema answerable to the same rules as strip clubs, which are not allowed to serve alcohol. So, having The Hangover II on while serving beer is obviously a big problem, and the cinema, Brewvies, was fined more than $1,500 for the offence, but faces future fines of up to $25,000 and suspension of its liquor licence if it doesn't stick to movies without bums.

Let's forget for one minute that any cinema which showed the terrible Hangover II deserves to be fined regardless of whether it sells booze or not -this is an insane piece of legislation. Perhaps (and only perhaps) it would make sense if the cinema was showing porn, but it wasn't - just a daft film with some boobs in it.

With more than 60% of Utahns (tha's what they're called, honestly) being Mormons, it follows it will have stricter rules on nudity than other states, but this is an excessive and downright silly ruling.

While Utah is by no means representative of the US as a whole, it's humorous that some people there point at countries like Saudi Arabia and gasp at how strict their society is concerning religion while legislation like this exists in the"land of the free".

» I often bemoan the lack of fresh talent and new ideas in the film industry, so am always more than happy to support people doing it for themselves. Since last week's interview with Scott Bates, director of Kent-based horror The Tapes, it has been released on DVD and is available from HMV and Asda, so keep your eyes open.

If you're a budding film-maker eager to make your break, February's Swale Film Festival might be your chance.

Sponsored by health charity Sheppey Matters, the youth section of the festival is looking for young filmmakers to take part in a competition. Individuals and groups can enter, with prizes of film-making equipment and a trip to the Pinewood studios up for grabs. There are two age groups: School Years 4 to 6, or ages 12 to 21 (or 25 for special needs groups).

There is also a third open competition which is for previously made films up to five minutes long. Entries must be received by Sheppey Matters by Monday, January 9, 2012. For more details, call Sheppey Matters on 01795 583547. An entry form is also available at www.swalefilmfestival2012.org.uk

» In other film contest news, it's just a few weeks until the 2 Days Later horror film screening and awards ceremony. The entries are in, and once again the Theatre Royal Margate will host the event taking place on Saturday, October 29.

There will be a matinee during the day showing films that didn't quite make the cut, while the shortlisted films will begin screening at 7pm. The event is free, but you need to be over 18 (or at least able to grow a convincing beard) to get in.

As in previous years, I'm on the judging panel, so all "gifts" of Smarties and iPads are gratefully received. Find out more over at www.2dayslater.co.uk

» The rumours about who will replace Daniel Craig as James Bond are starting up again, and the frontrunner now is Idris Elba, best known for playing Luther in the BBC series of the same name, Heimdall in this summer's Thor movie, and Stringer Bell in the greatest TV show of all time, The Wire.

Elba, however, said: It's just a rumour. My dad and I were talking about this the other day. I would do it, but I don't want to be called the first black James Bond. Do you understand what I'm saying? Sean Connery wasn't the Scottish James Bond and Daniel Craig wasn't the blue-eyed James Bond. So if I played him, I don't want to be called the black James Bond."

Interesting point though: Daniel Craig didn't say anything about being the new Bond until the day it was announced, so take Elba's denial with a pinch of salt.