The Film and Publication Board (FPB) has refused classification of the film “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America”. In terms of section 18(3)(a)(ii) of the Films and Publications Act, Refused classification means the filmis prohibited from creation, possession and distribution is South Africa.
The film was found to advocate hatred based on an identifiable group characteristic and constitutes incitement to cause harm on the following basis:
- Holocaust Denial: The film’s assertion that the Holocaust is a “falsehood” is a direct advocacy of hatred based on identifiable group characteristics, serving to trivialize immense suffering and perpetuate antisemitism.
- Dehumanization: The explicit text comparing Jews to “parasites among the nations” is an egregious act of dehumanization. This language has a well-documented history of justifying discrimination, violence, and genocide, clearly demonstrating hatred.
- Promotion of Antisemitic Views: The film posits “five major falsehoods” aimed at concealing Jewish “nature” and protecting their “status and power”, inherently promoting antisemitic tropes.
- Prejudicial Language: The frequent and unmitigated use of racial slurs such as “Negro”, “Kaffir” and “Coolie” constitutes hate speech.
The content, as presented, incites hatred and spreads dangerous misinformation, failing to provide the objective and informed perspective required for a bona fide documentary. Acknowledging that a bona fide documentary must adhere to historical accuracy, by denying the Holocaust, the film fundamentally fails this criterion.
Any person who knowingly broadcasts, distributes, exhibits in public, offers for sale or hire or advertise for exhibition, sale or hire such a film which the Board has classified as a “refused classification” , shall be guilty of an offense and liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding R500 000 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or both a fine and imprisonment in terms of section 24A(2)(b) of the Films and Publications Act.
For media enquiries or interviews, please contact:
Ms Manala Botolo
Assistant Manager Communications and Marketing
Email: manala.botolo@fpb.org.za
Cell: 082 860 6748
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