The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has weighed in on the uproar surrounding a yet-to-be-released movie featuring actress Nancy Isime.
The film’s poster, which shows Isime wearing a Hijab in a robbery scene, sparked widespread condemnation online, with many Muslims calling for its ban.
In a statement on Friday, the NFVCB clarified that the film has not been submitted for classification and is still in production.
The agency acknowledged receiving complaints about the movie’s perceived disrespect towards Muslim women’s attire and has taken steps to address the concerns with the producers.
The NFVCB reaffirmed its commitment to striking a balance between artistic freedom and cultural sensitivity, vowing to prevent films that could cause harm to religious, cultural, or ethnic groups.
The statement by its Director General, Shaibu Husseini, reads: “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”.
