The South African Film and Publication Board gave The Showerhead documentary a “16 LNPSV” rating (suitable for over 16, containing language, nudity, prejudice, sex, violence). The film focuses on Jonathan Shapiro’s (AKA Zapiro) controversial cartoons during the Jacob Zuma presidential term, challenging the boundaries of freedom of expression. Producers of the film are appealing the rating.
For those not familiar with Zapiro’s work or specifically the cartoons and issues that inspired this documentary, I highly suggest you read this piece by Herman Lategan at Vrye Weekblad. Zapiro and Lategan discuss the demise of newspapers, being sued by the South African president (twice), censorship and difficult editors at his newspapers, and resistance to the film.
“An hour after the picture had started, there was a droning from behind. Just when the focus was on the dripping shower on Zuma’s head. A man with a deep bass voice began to sing in a deep bass voice.
“I heard the words ‘uBaba’ and ‘Zuma is my president’. The man was dressed in full Zulu regalia. His voice muffled the sound, one could not hear what was going on.
“The most disturbing aspect,” he says, “is that there were members in the audience who spontaneously started singing along. People started humming.
“What does that mean? It’s people in the industry, filmmakers who should be promoting freedom of speech, but they’re muffling the sound.”
Despite the rating and uncertainty in the rating appeal, the documentary will open in theaters in Johannesburg mid-September. The dates and theaters are:
- Friday, 13 September at Monte Casino, The Bioscope, The Labia
- Saturday, 14 September at V & A and Rosebank Nouveau
Here’s the teaser. When international distribution or streaming options become available, I’ll be sure to let you know.