The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) responds to requests to prohibit a contentious movie starring renowned actress Nancy Isime.
Recall that Isime was featured in a viral poster for an unreleased film, appearing in a robbery scene while donning the hijab and niqab, the traditional Muslim dress code.
The poster, however, provoked condemnations from many Muslims including the Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, calling on the NFVCB to ban the film, describing it as satanic.
In response to the requests for a ban, the NFVCB stated in a statement on Friday that the movie is still in production and has not been sent in for review.
NFVCB Statement on call for ban of Nancy Isime’s movie
“The National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB, the statutory regulatory agency for film and video works as well as exhibition and distribution in Nigeria, have received complaints about an upcoming Nigerian movie that associated the Hijab, an outfit attributed to Muslim women that symbolizes modesty and religious devotion, with negative moral vices.
“Our check revealed that the movie has not been released, and it has not been submitted for classification as required by law and our mandate.
“However, we have been able to reach the producers of the film and have taken steps to address the concerns raised with the producers.
“We restate that as a classification agency, we will not overlook any movie or video works, including skits that abuse, denigrate, or undermine religious, cultural, and ethnic sensibilities.
“We commit to contributing to positive transformation of the Nigerian society through classification of video and film works whilst balancing the need to preserve freedom of expression within the law, and limit cultural, social and religious harm caused by films.”
