Films and Publications Act, 1996 (Act No. 65 of 1996)NoticesClassification Guidelines for the Classification of Films, Interactive Computer Games and Certain Publications, 2019Part A - Films and Trailers4. Guiding Principles |
| (1) | All classification decisions must consider the context, impact and release format of the content. |
| (2) | When considering context, the following factors should be taken into account: |
| (a) | The expectations of the public in general and the target market of the content; |
| (b) | The theme of the content; |
| (c) | The manner in which an issue is presented; |
| (d) | The literary, artistic, dramatic or educational merit of the film; and |
| (e) | The apparent intention of the filmmaker, as reflected in its effect. |
| (3) | When considering the impact of classifiable elements regard should be had to: |
| (a) | Those which may increase in intensity according to frequency of occurrence, realism, detail, techniques used, and nature of theme, bona fide status, verbal references or visual presentation; and |
| (b) | Determining an appropriate classification so as to assign appropriate consumer advise if required. |
| (4) | The release format of the content, including online content, must be considered based on its impact, and with regard to the following: |
| (a) | The ability to replay scenes; |
| (b) | The likelihood that certain scene will be viewed out of context; |
| (c) | The clarity of images; |
| (d) | Interactivity with an unknown third person; and |
| (e) | The impact of technology such as 3D, 4D, DBox, IMAX and any technological advances which may be applicable. |
| (5) | Should the film contain "Photo or pattern sensitivity, motion sickness and reactions to low frequency sound" (PPS) then provision should be provided. In doing so regard should be had to the following: |
| (a) | The exact nature of the stimuli that may trigger seizures of flicker vertigo for photo or pattern sensitivity varies from one person to another, as does the nature of the effect. It is therefore treated, not as a classifiable element determining age restriction, but as a matter for appropriate consumer advice provided on a voluntary basis. This advisory may need to be provided even in instances of low impact if the stimuli may trigger seizures; |
| (b) | As a general guide, the patterns are usually very high in luminance contrast (bright flashes of light alternating with darkness, or white bars against a black background) that flash more than three times a second; |
| (c) | Motion sickness occurs when motion is detected by the visual system and hence the motion is seen, but little or no motion is sensed by the vestibular system (e.g. bounding-camera movies). Similar to motion sickness is simulation (or simulator) sickness; but this is caused by playing computer/ simulation/ video games (i.e. firstperson-perspective games and virtual reality setups). It is recognised that it may be identified subjectively, and is not treated as a classifiable element determining age restriction, but as a matter for appropriate consumer advice provided on a voluntary basis; |
| (d) | Low frequency noise (LFN) is generally taken to mean noise below a frequency of about 100 to 150 Hz. A low-frequency signal can go from being barely audible to being disturbing with a relatively small change in pressure level, and it may be identified subjectively. It is not treated as a classifiable elements determining age restrictions, but as a matter for appropriate voluntary consumer advice; and |
| (e) | Photo or pattern sensitivity, motion sickness, and reactions to low frequency sound may justify voluntary consumer advice. |
| (6) | Classifiers must have regard to the classifiable elements in determining an appropriate classification and must also assign appropriate consumer advise if required. |