Staff Reporter
The Film and Publication Board (FPB) has refused classification of the film Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America, effectively banning it over Holocaust denial, anti-Semitic content and incitement to hatred.
In a statement issued on Monday, the FPB said the film advocated hatred against an identifiable group and contained material that constituted incitement to cause harm.
Under Section 18(3)(a)(ii) of the Films and Publications Act, a refusal of classification prohibits the creation, possession and distribution of the film in South Africa, according to the board.
The FPB identified Holocaust denial, the dehumanisation of Jewish people, antisemitic claims and the use of racial slurs as grounds for its decision.
“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,” the board said.
It also condemned the film’s comparison of Jewish people to “parasites among the nations”, saying the language was an act of dehumanisation.
“This language has a well-documented history of justifying discrimination, violence, and genocide, clearly demonstrating hatred.”
The board said the film promoted antisemitic stereotypes by referring to alleged falsehoods intended to conceal Jewish identity and protect Jewish influence and power.
It also cited the repeated use of racial slurs as further grounds for refusing classification.
The FPB rejected the film’s claim to be a legitimate documentary, saying its denial of the Holocaust undermined the historical accuracy required of documentary productions.
“The content, as presented, incites hatred and spreads dangerous misinformation, failing to provide the objective and informed perspective required for a bona fide documentary.”
The board warned that anyone who knowingly broadcasts, distributes, publicly exhibits, sells, hires out or advertises a film that has been refused classification could face criminal prosecution.
Under Section 24A(2)(b) of the Act, offenders face a fine of up to R500,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
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