Journalists view unbanned film

Journalists were invited to a press screening of the infamous film Of Good Report, to see for themselves how accurate ratings were.

On the afternoon of 30 July The Bioscope in City and Suburban hosted a group of journalists that were eager to judge the banning and eventual ratings of this noir film.

As the lights dimmed for the film to start, a banner appeared on the wall reading “Unbanned” before the opening credits started rolling.

“Unbelievable,” was the only way that Claudi Mailovich, journalist for Rapport, could summarise her experience after the screening.

“I honestly don’t get what the child pornography allegations were all about,” a few of the journalists, Record journalist included, agreed.

The film, starring Mothusi Magano and Petronella Tshuma in the lead roles, told the story of teacher Sithole (Magano) that falls in love with Nolitha (Tshuma), unsuspecting of her being his student. The film was banned by the Film and Publication Board (FPB) on the grounds of it containing or implying child pornography.

FPB’s Prince Ndamase was quoted by Eyewitness News saying that “the legislation is very clear when it comes to child pornography”.

“No exception is made.”

Journalists were left speculating what led to their change of heart.

Qubeka was clear when he stated that the film was meant to instigate public debate.