Africa Addio is a tough one to work out. These cuts do go back over 40 years, if the BBFC were to see the film today it's possible they would be much stricter in regards to the cuts because after all scenes of animal cruelty wasn't as bigger a issue in the 60's as it is today so perhaps they might have been a little lenient back then and perhaps were not upholding the animals act to the letter like they would today.
Generally the BBFC go by the rule book when it comes to cutting such scenes, that is if the scenes were organised by the film makers for the purpose of making a film then cuts are likely, exceptions - when the killing is swift and humane. Documentary's are not usually cut by the BBFC though, even if they do show cruelty. Even scenes of cockfighting have been passed.
I suspect the BBFC's view in the 60's was that it came across as being nothing more than an exploitative piece of work and that some of the scenes looked like they may have been arranged by the film makers. It would be interesting to see what they would make if it today. I might be wrong but I suspect the cuts would be heavier.
Killing an animal is definitely cruel but that in itself doesn't appear to infringe the animals act as interpreted by the BBFC. Also the scene may be showing something illegal ie poaching but that may not necessarily be in breach of the animals act either when it comes down to classifying the work. It's all about whether the animal is seen to suffer a lingering death.
 |