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South Africa The Film and Publication Board controls film classification in the Rupublic of South Africa. The Board replaced the Directorate of Publications in 1996 and mainly controls films, videos, DVD's and computer games. In South Africa, there are six classifications which apply to film. They are as follows: A: Suitable for all
ages. Works in this category cannot contain anything which could be
considered harmful or disturbing to young children. No strong language
can be used, but occasional mild language is accepted. No scenes
glamourizing drugs, tobacco or alcohol are to be included. Nudity can
be included in a non-sexual manner, but there are to be no scenes
showing sexual activity (kissing excluded). Brief, low impact violence
is permitted.
PG: This is an advisory category, which is to advise parents that young viewers may be 'confused or upset' should they watch films in this category alone. Strong language is infrequent, and important issues such as race and gender may be touched on. There may be brief scenes of implied sexual activity. Like in the A category, low impact violence is permitted, as long as it isn't prolonged. 10: This is a restricted category by law. No person under the age of 10 may watch films in this category at the cinema, or rent a video or DVD rated 10. 13: This is a restricted category by law. No person under the age of 13 may watch films in this category at the cinema, or rent a video or DVD rated 13. Films in this category will include themes relevant to teenagers, and generally conflicts will have a positive outcome. Any sex scenes must be related to the plot development. 16: This is a restricted category by law. No person under the age of 16 may watch films in this category at the cinema, or rent a video or DVD rated 16. Films may contain course language, and include adult themes which may not always have a positive outcome. Drug use may occur (without instructive details) but the use of drugs will not be glamourized. Scenes of nudity may occur, including close-ups. Sex scenes may be frequent, but will not contain excessive nudity. There may be intense violence, within context. 18: This is a restricted category by law. No person under the age of 18 may watch films in this category at the cinema, or rent a video or DVD rated 18. There are no restrictions on the '18' category. However, such films cannot contain child pornography, or explicit sexual conduct which degrades a person, or could cause harm. There are separate guidelines which apply to computer games. They can be viewed at the Film and Publication Board website; http://www.fpb.gov.za Related Links: |