Censored

Last night at the opening of the Durban International Film Festival, Kahlil XT Qubeka's film Of Good Report was due to open the festival but didn't due to the Film and Publication Board's decision (under the Film and Publication Act of 1996) to not legalise it based on its content, which they deemed to have or portray child pornography. The act prohibits any representations of child pornography including simulations of child pornography even if the actors are over 18 years of age. The character of the 16 year old female learner is played by 23 year old Petronella Tshuma  and the film also stars Mothusi Magona as the obsessed and troubled teacher. DIFF subsequently took the decision to not screen another film in its place on the night out of respect for all the participants involved in the making of the film.

Of Good Report filmmakers on stage at DIFF: image courtesy of IndieWire

Of Good Report, which is the Eastern Cape born director's third full length feature film tells the story of a teacher's fatally obsessive affair with one of his pupils. He describes it as a story of "Little Red Riding Hood told from the wolf's perspective".  DIFF explains the story of the film:

A hypnotically engaging journey into the soul of a mentally troubled man. The trouble for Parker Sithole begins when he meets the undeniably gorgeous Nolitha Ngubane at a local tavern. Captivated by her beauty, an illicit affair ensues. However, there’s just one problem: Nolitha is one of Parker’s pupils and is just sixteen years old. Parker quickly spirals into a deep obsession that ultimately becomes violent and unquenchable

Of Good Report image courtesy of DIFF

In an interview with Variety magazine, Qubeka says:

"I intend to bring anarchy, mayhem and dissent to an industry I feel is a sleeping giant. I want to tear the whole rule book to shreds and say to younger filmmakers, “Let your soul pilot your endeavors. It’s okay to fail if you gave it your best shot.” I am an eternal optimist with a strong streak of narcissism."

Jahmil XT Qubeka image by Madelene Cronje courtesy of mg.co.za

In a dramatic evening, the filmmakers took to the stage with Qubeka himself having tape over his mouth shredded his ID in an act of defiance in front of the audience. His wife, Dr. Lwazi Manzi spoke to the crowd saying the following:

“Just because they (the FPB) don’t want to see it, does not mean it does not happen,” she said. “We shall not not talk about it. I am very proud of my husband, and the cast and crew. This is a pivotal day in the history of film in our country, one which will resonate in history.”

The decision by the FPB is troubling in its inability to recognsie the importance of telling stories that have social relevance and are imperative to the discourse around this very topical issue. It brings into question, the role of the artist and how we deal with very real societal problems.

The festival continues until 28 July 2013.