The reason for the appeal was that the Film and Publication Board does not have the authority to crack down on political criticism.
The Court of Appeals has upheld the original assessment of 16LNP(SV) for a documentary about the life of cartoonist Jonathan Zapiro Shapiro. Shower headwas found to be unjustified and was given a more reasonable rating of 13 L (SV).
“At least the appeals court knew its sense,” the cartoonist declared following the appeals court's decision.
Shower head This book details the journey of Mzansi's most famous cartoonist, from his career as a liberation artist and political prisoner during apartheid to his emergence as a champion of freedom of expression.
This low rating informs audiences that the film contains explicit language and scenes that reference sexual violence.
Related article: Zapiro criticizes age restrictions for his films as “absurd” [Video]
A victory for freedom of expression
The grounds for the appeal were that the South African Film and Publication Board (SAFPB) had no power to police political criticism.
Zapiro's cartoons depicted in the film are freely available to anyone, without age restrictions, on the Internet and through his books.
“Given that I often hear from students that my cartoons are part of their classroom learning experience, my initial assessment was humbly restrictive and underestimated teenagers' ability to understand satire and engage with difficult issues. Long live freedom of expression!” Zapiro said.
“We are clearly pleased that sanity has prevailed and the Appeal Court has followed the relevant guidelines to overturn the Classification Board's unreasonable decision and its attempt to restrict the film's audience,” it said. Shower head Directed by Craig Tanner.
Watch: Showerhead trailer
Related article: Cartoonist Zapiro wins France's highest cultural award
“It is unacceptable and ironic that a film about freedom of expression has had to face government attempts to limit audiences who want to consider the issues discussed in the film and prevent many South Africans from being informed and forming their own opinions,” Tanner said.
“It's reminiscent of the apartheid era.”
talk The CitizenZapiro said the previous assessment was foolish and a reminder of the dark days of apartheid.
“The wording and reasoning of this committee reminded me of old publications and trustees. I'm in my mid-60s and I lived through that time when my paintings were banned and publications that contained my paintings were banned,” Zapiro asserted.
The documentary is produced by Anant Singh and is scheduled to release in selected cinemas across the country this Friday.
“The initial rating by the FPB was reminiscent of apartheid-era censorship. The downgrade is a victory for freedom of expression,” said Singh, who has also produced politically charged films. Sarafina!
“It's important that we can tell stories on film that reflect this constitutional right, and we will continue to do so. Jonathan's courage and passion for satire is an inspiration to people of all ages, and this film should be seen by everyone.”
Related article: Zapiro gifts Zuma with old shower head and other junk for his birthday
Zuma's Foundations
As the title suggests, the film talks about what has become Zapiro's trademark in portraying Zuma.
The film will be screened in selected cinemas across the country – but there is not a single cinema in KwaZulu-Natal.
“There is not a single cinema in KwaZulu-Natal that will screen this film.”
Showerhead was first screened at the 45th Durban International Film Festival a few months ago, where protests erupted during the screening.
“Nearly an hour into the film, as they began to attack Zuma, we suddenly heard a loud male voice singing over the soundtrack. We couldn't really hear what was going on. [in the film].
“I remember them singing in Zulu, 'Ubaba something' and 'Zuma, my president', with a few English words mixed in.”
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