In Germany, Good Friday is a state-protected day, known as a “silent holiday” dedicated to religious reflection. Public parties, dance events and loud celebrations are generally prohibited in many parts of the country on this day. Even in television, the government intervenes. Approximately 750 films are on the voluntary self-regulation list of the film industry’s Free Will Organization (FSK) and they are not allowed to be broadcast on Good Friday. The reason: They may offend religious feelings.
Next to classics like “Terminator” or “The Life of Brian” there are also lighter films on the list – from Ghostbusters to comedies with Mike Krüger to light-hearted films with Bud Spencer, Louis de Funès, or Bruce Lee.
It may be understandable that action, horror, or satire films are on the index, but even completely harmless works like the animated film “Heidi in the Mountains” from 1975 are affected.
The reason is remarkably simple: The film “Heidi in the Mountains” was never specifically examined for its “religious suitability.” Therefore, it lacks an explicit approval for silent holidays and is automatically placed on the list of films that cannot be broadcast. It is a classic case of bureaucracy by omission.
Neither a scene, a sentence, nor a sound in the Japanese-German animated film suggests that it could offend religious feelings. However, the existing procedure indirectly assumes this – and thus creates an absurd effect: While dark feature films with crucifixion scenes can be examined and, if necessary, approved, an innocent children’s film like Heidi remains banned.
Important: The ban applies only to public screenings. People can still watch “Heidi in the Mountains” at home, via DVD or streaming. The regulation only applies to television programs and public cinema shows.
Despite this, the case raises questions, especially: Should a blacklist, which deeply intervenes in cultural heritage, not be regularly reviewed? And: Would it not be appropriate to at least correct obvious errors like the “Heidi” case?
Germany adheres particularly strictly to the idea of the “silent holiday” compared to other European countries. While in Switzerland, corresponding prohibitions have been largely loosened, in several German federal states strict regulations are in force, which are interpreted differently depending on the region. What is meant as pious can sometimes become grotesque – and shows how difficult it is for legal texts to keep up with the digital media reality. Because today, to watch a film, one no longer needs a television program. A streaming account is enough.
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