The Appeals Tribunal has ruled that the initial age rating of 16 LNP (SV), for the film about South African cartoonist Zapiro, The Showerhead, was unwarranted, affording the film a new age rating of 13 L (SV).

This lower rating advises audiences that the film, The Showerhead, contains scenes containing strong language and references to sexual violence.

Co-producer, Videovision’s Anant Singh, says they appealed the initial rating as they believed the Film and Publication Board did not have the power to police political criticism, and that Zapiro’s cartoons are widely available to all ages.

Directed by South African-born Craig Tanner and co-produced Tanner, The Showerhead tells Zapiro’s story from his roots as a liberation artist and political detainee during Apartheid, to his emergence as a steadfast defender of freedom of expression, and his no-holds barred response to the current complex political climate in our democratic South Africa.

The film is now scheduled for release in South Africa on Friday, 13 September.

Tanner said they are pleased that sanity has prevailed and that the Appeals Tribunal has overruled the FPB classification committee’s ”absurd” findings.

“That said, it is both unacceptable and ironic that a film about freedom of expression has had to contend with attempts by the state to limit the audience that might wish to consider the issues discussed in the film, and to thereby prevent many South Africans from receiving information and forming their own opinions.”

Zapiro commented, “At least the Appeals Tribunal has seen sense. Considering how often I hear from school students that my cartoons are part of their classroom learning experience, the initial rating was prudishly restrictive and an under-estimation of teenagers’ ability to understand satire and to engage with difficult issues. Viva freedom of expression!”

Singh said the initial rating by the FPB was reminiscent of apartheid-era censorship.

“It is important that we are able to tell stories on film that reflects this constitutional right, and we will continue do so. Jonathan’s courage and passion for satire is an inspiration to all ages and the film needs to be seen by all.”

The Showerhead will open on Friday, 13 September at cinemas, at the Bioscope in Johannesburg, The Labia in Cape Town and Movies@ at Monte Casino, with additional screenings on Saturday, 14th September and Sunday 15th September at Rosebank Nouveau and Ster Kinekor V&A.