FPB Refuses Classification of Antisemitic Film “Hebrews to Negros” Following SAJBD Complaint

Last December 2025, following a complaint by the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD), the Film and Publications Board (FPB) issued a “Refused Classification” ruling regarding the film ‘Hebrews to Negros – Wake Up Black America’. In terms of the ruling, the distributor has been requested to remove the film from all platforms in South Africa. This ruling has now been published in the Government Gazette.

The film was first screened in South Africa in June 2023. It was then that the SAJBD approached the FPB to reclassify the film on the grounds that it propagated racist stereotypes against Jewish people and, as such, amounted to unlawful incitement to hatred, based on religion and ethnicity.

Among other antisemitic slurs, the film portrayed Jews as a nation of liars who falsified history. The film also depicted Jews as being a malign hidden hand behind world events through their supposed control of the banking and educational systems and the mass media.

It further associated both Jews and their religion with the Devil and other images of extreme evil.

In the gazette, the decision to refuse classification was based on Holocaust denial, dehumanization, promotion of antisemitic views and prejudicial language. The ruling notes that “The content, as presented, incites hatred and spreads dangerous misinformation, failing to provide the objective and informed perspective required for a bona fide documentary," thus failing to adhere to historical accuracy.

The SAJBD is encouraged by the strong message sent by the FBP that the right to freedom of expression does not amount to a license to defame and propagate hatred against an entire group of people simply because of who they are and what they believe. This ruling safeguards the fundamental rights of all citizens of this country.