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INLSA<\/p>\n
A scene from Of Good Report.<\/p>\n
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Related Stories<\/p>\n
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Who decided that Of Good Report, the locally produced film directed by Jahmil XT Qubeka, should be refused classification? <\/p>\n
According to the Film and Publication Board \u2013 the government body responsible for classifying films \u2013 it was four ordinary citizens who had been selected through public nomination. <\/p>\n
Of Good Report was refused classification after it was deemed to be child pornography, with one of the scenes depicting a teacher engaging in oral sex, albeit simulated, with one of his female pupils who is played by a 23-year-old actress. <\/p>\n
The decision resulted in the film not being screened at the opening of the Durban International Film Festival on Thursday and now sees the film-makers looking to international festivals to have their creation shown. <\/p>\n
Board spokesman Prince Mlimandlela Ndamase said every three years a public nomination process took place and potential classifiers were selected from names submitted. <\/p>\n
After a screening process, a pool of classifiers was selected and educated on the classification guidelines and the classification acts. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey are drawn from ordinary people and are independent and not full-time employees of the Film and Publication Board,\u201d said Ndamase. <\/p>\n
In the case of Of Good Report, four of these classifiers had viewed the movie. <\/p>\n
The purpose of this approach was to ensure the classifications were \u201ca reflection of the tolerance of ordinary South Africans\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe court has said the view of an ordinary person must be taken (when classifying a film) as these are the people who need to be protected,\u201d said Ndamase. <\/p>\n
Qubeka said he would go elsewhere to launch his creation, with the Toronto International Film Festival later this year a strong possibility. <\/p>\n
\u201cI am still numb from the board\u2019s decision. I am winded by my government calling me a pornographer. <\/p>\n
\u201cI am a film-maker and the last thing I want is to be associated with porn,\u201d said Qubeka yesterday. <\/p>\n
The film\u2019s\u2026 producer, lawyer Michael Auret, said he had been approached by a number of international festivals who were interested in screening the film, including Toronto. <\/p>\n
\u201cToronto is the second or third biggest festival in the world. It is a great platform for the film and Jahmil. He is an excellent talent,\u201d said Auret. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe hope South Africans will be able to watch it.\u201d <\/p>\n
Appeal <\/p>\n
Last night organisers of the Toronto festival, which runs from September 5 to 15, were unable to provide comment \u201con films that haven\u2019t been announced as part of the festival line-up\u201d. <\/p>\n
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Parts of the official line-up are expected to be announced today, including their international special presentations. <\/p>\n
Meanwhile Of Good Report\u2019s makers are awaiting the outcome of an appeal lodged with the board, in which they argue that the lack of classification as unjustified. <\/p>\n
\u201cI need my government to substantiate their claims,\u201d said Qubeka. <\/p>\n
Auret said they would take their fight to court if the appeal was turned down, adding that he was expecting a decision this week. <\/p>\n
\u201cI am a lawyer, and my principle is that you do not take the law into your own hands. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf we did something illegal it would harm our case,\u201d said Auret, after suggestions by fellow movie-makers that the film be screened illegally. <\/p>\n
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kevin.lancaster@inl.co.za <\/p>\n
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