Humph: so much for free speech

[Trevor]

in a democratic South Africa where apartheid censorship no longer holds sway?

http://city-press.news24.com/Trending/cinemas-cancel-screenings-of-inxeba-as-critics-threaten-protest-action-20180202

This is nuts: reminds me of the days where one person could complain against a film and it was banned.  

[Rev. Powell]

Yeah, that is a problem. Groups can threaten to protest films, protests that could turn violent, and distributors will decide its not worth the potential violence/liability.

I'm not sure what can be done about it other than exhibitors sacking up.

[Trevor]

Yeah, that is a problem. Groups can threaten to protest films, protests that could turn violent, and distributors will decide its not worth the potential violence/liability.

I'm not sure what can be done about it other than exhibitors sacking up.

Some exhibitors - our local chains Ster-Kinekor and NuMetro - have cancelled screening the film and its' producers have launched legal action against the protestors.  

And then, there's this:

https://www.channel24.co.za/Movies/News/chiefs-vow-to-can-inxeba-countrywide-20180203

[Trevor]

And now the film has been rated X18: meaning that it cannot be screened in cinemas so it has effectively been banned. In a democratic South Africa! 

https://www.iol.co.za/sundayindependent/inxeba-bleeds-over-x-rating-reclassification-13366489

FFS 

[Svengoolie 3]

This proves that censorship will be used to crush politically unpopular views no matter what it's avowed purpose is.

[lester1/2jr]

SA conservatives not familiar with the Streisand effect apparently https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streisand_effect

[Trevor]

And now News24 is reporting that the FPB's decision has been overturned and Inxeba (The Wound) can return to cinemas on Friday 9 March? 

At least when the apartheid censor board banned a film or music or a publication, it stayed banned for a very long time: no flip-flopping.