The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has addressed calls for the ban of a controversial film starring the prominent actress Nancy Isime.
It was reported that Isime appeared in a viral poster for an upcoming movie, dressed in a niqab and hijab – attire traditionally worn by Muslims – during a robbery scene.
This poster has elicited strong reactions from various Muslim groups, including the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), which has called for the NFVCB to ban the film, labeling it as satanic.
In response to the calls for a ban, the NFVCB issued a statement on Friday, clarifying that the film is still in production and has not yet been submitted for assessment.
[h2]NFVCB Statement on Call for Ban of Nancy Isime’s Movie[/h2>“The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), the statutory regulatory agency responsible for the classification and regulation of film and video works in Nigeria, has received complaints regarding an upcoming Nigerian film that depicts the Hijab – an outfit associated with Muslim women symbolizing modesty and religious devotion – in a negative context.
“Our investigation revealed that the film is still in production and has not yet been submitted for classification as required by law and our mandate.
“However, we have contacted the film’s producers and are taking steps to address the concerns raised about the film’s content.
“We reaffirm our commitment as a classification agency to not ignore any film or video works, including skits, that may insult, demean, or undermine religious, cultural, and ethnic sensibilities.
“Our goal is to contribute positively to the transformation of Nigerian society through the classification of films and video works, while balancing the preservation of freedom of expression within legal bounds and mitigating potential cultural, social, and religious harm caused by such media.”
