Who decided that Of Good Report, the locally produced film directed by Jahmil XT Qubeka, should be refused classification?
According to the Film and Publication Board – the government body responsible for classifying films – it was four ordinary citizens who had been selected through public nomination.
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.
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.
Board spokesman Prince Mlimandlela Ndamase said every three years a public nomination process took place and potential classifiers were selected from names submitted.
After a screening process, a pool of classifiers was selected and educated on the classification guidelines and the classification acts.
“They are drawn from ordinary people and are independent and not full-time employees of the Film and Publication Board,” said Ndamase.
In the case of Of Good Report, four of these classifiers had viewed the movie.
The purpose of this approach was to ensure the classifications were “a reflection of the tolerance of ordinary South Africans”.
“The 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,” said Ndamase.
Qubeka said he would go elsewhere to launch his creation, with the Toronto International Film Festival later this year a strong possibility.
“I am still numb from the board’s decision. I am winded by my government calling me a pornographer.
“I am a film-maker and the last thing I want is to be associated with porn,” said Qubeka yesterday.
The film’s… producer, lawyer Michael Auret, said he had been approached by a number of international festivals who were interested in screening the film, including Toronto.
“Toronto 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,” said Auret.
“We hope South Africans will be able to watch it.”
Appeal
Last night organisers of the Toronto festival, which runs from September 5 to 15, were unable to provide comment “on films that haven’t been announced as part of the festival line-up”.
Parts of the official line-up are expected to be announced today, including their international special presentations.
Meanwhile Of Good Report’s makers are awaiting the outcome of an appeal lodged with the board, in which they argue that the lack of classification as unjustified.
“I need my government to substantiate their claims,” said Qubeka.
Auret said they would take their fight to court if the appeal was turned down, adding that he was expecting a decision this week.
“I am a lawyer, and my principle is that you do not take the law into your own hands.
“If we did something illegal it would harm our case,” said Auret, after suggestions by fellow movie-makers that the film be screened illegally.