FPB refuses to classify film over Holocaust denial and hate speech

The Film and Publication Board (FPB) has declined to classify the film “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America”, which means it cannot be broadcast or distributed in South Africa. SAnews reported the decision, which the board announced in a statement on Monday 2 November 2026.

Why the board rejected the film

The FPB found that the film promotes hatred against a group of people because of who they are, and that it amounts to incitement to cause harm. The board said the content “incites hatred and spreads dangerous misinformation”. It added that a genuine documentary has to be historically accurate and give an objective, informed view, and that a film denying the Holocaust cannot meet that standard.

The board listed four reasons for its finding:

• Holocaust denial: the film describes the Holocaust as a “falsehood”. The FPB said this trivialises immense suffering and feeds antisemitism.
• Dehumanisation: the board pointed to text that likens Jewish people to parasites. It said this kind of language has long been used to excuse discrimination, violence and genocide.
• Antisemitic ideas: the film puts forward what it calls “five major falsehoods” meant to hide Jewish “nature” and protect their “status and power”. The FPB said this repeats antisemitic stereotypes.
• Racial slurs: the film repeatedly uses offensive racial terms, which the board said amounts to hate speech.

Penalties for breaking the ruling

The FPB warned that it is an offence to knowingly broadcast, distribute or publicly show the film. The same applies to offering it for sale or hire, or advertising it for showing, sale or hire.

A person convicted faces a fine of up to R500 000, a prison term of up to five years, or both.

What this means for South Africans

Because the film has been refused classification, it cannot legally be screened, sold, hired out or promoted in the country. The FPB’s warning applies to people and businesses that broadcast, distribute, exhibit, sell, hire out or advertise it. That could include cinemas, shops, streaming services and event organisers.

The statement did not say how the board will enforce the ruling or whether the film has already been circulating locally. Anyone unsure whether a film or publication may be shown or sold can check with the FPB.

This story is based on reporting by SAnews.