South Africa has become the first country to impose a nationwide ban on the screening and distribution of the antisemitic film Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America. This 2018 film asserts that Black Hebrew Israelites are the true descendants of biblical Israelites and claims that contemporary Jews are not the genuine Jews. Additionally, it alleges that there is an international Jewish conspiracy targeting Black individuals.
The film was shown at the Soweto Theatre in June 2023, prompting a complaint from the local Jewish community to the ombudsman.
Film Not Classified as Documentary
On Monday, South Africa’s Film and Publication Board (FPB) announced its decision to refuse the film’s classification for broadcasting and distribution. The board found that the film “fundamentally fails” to meet the criteria required for a documentary. Notably, the ban does not extend to the book of the same name from which the film is derived.
In its statement, the FPB indicated the film “advocates hatred based on an identifiable group characteristic” and contains elements that could incite harm, citing Holocaust denial and dehumanizing language against Jews. The board specifically pointed out that the film’s claims regarding the Holocaust as a “falsehood” contribute to its classification as hate speech.
Officials warned that broadcasting, distributing, or exhibiting the film in public could result in penalties that may include fines up to R500,000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years.
The FPB highlighted that the film’s denial of the Holocaust significantly undermines the historical accuracy necessary for a bona fide documentary. “Acknowledging that a bona fide documentary must adhere to historical accuracy, by denying the Holocaust, the film fundamentally fails this criterion,” the FPB stated.
Following the ruling, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies expressed encouragement, viewing the decision as a clear message that freedom of expression does not equal a right to propagate hatred against any group. The board underscored that this ruling is a safeguard for the fundamental rights of all South African citizens.
Despite widespread criticism of the film’s content, South Africa is currently the only country to officially ban or restrict its sale and distribution. The film remains available for purchase in the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as on Amazon internationally.
The film gained increased notoriety in October 2022 when NBA player Kyrie Irving shared a link to it on social media. Although Irving later deleted the post, he initially maintained that he would not “stand down,” though he has since issued an apology.
