The Film and Publication Board (FPB) has launched the review of its current classification guidelines, to better reflect\u00a0South Africa\u2019s societal values and norms.<\/p>\n
In a launch event at\u00a0Gallagher Estate in Midrand on Wednesday (21 February), the FPB said the classifications are reviewed every five years, and is often a difficult process as it has to reflect South Africa’s diverse society.<\/p>\n
“The review provides an opportunity for South Africans such as religious and cultural groups, film-makers, government, child psychologists, parents to raise issues with FPB to protect children in their care against harmful media content,” it said.<\/p>\n
The FPB recently came under fire after it changed the rating of the South African film ‘Inxeba’ (The Wound) after pressure from civil groups within the country.<\/p>\n
After first being awarded a 16LS rating,\u00a0Inxeba was\u00a0reclassified as\u00a0X18<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0by the\u00a0Film and Publication Board Appeal Tribunal, which means the only\u00a0\u201clegal\u201d way to watch\u00a0the film is by accessing it via \u201cdesignated adult premises\u201d.<\/p>\n Speaking on the judgement\u00a0Sandile Nene, the FPB\u2019s acting CEO, said that the FPB\u2019s Council and the FPB\u2019s Appeal Tribunal act independently of each other and function without any bias.<\/p>\n However he noted that the movie allowed for stakeholders and participants to engage in robust conversation regarding the current classification guidelines.<\/p>\n Of interest, was the suggestion to include Gender Based Violence (GBV)<\/strong> as a classifiable element. The FPB said it was also looking into a\u00a0classification for \u2018Culturally Sensitive’<\/strong> material in its guidelines.<\/p>\n The FPB will continue holding public consultations across the country until the end of March 2018.\u00a0More information on the public consultations will be made available on the organisation’s website<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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