National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has replied to calls for the ban of a yet-to-be-released movie by Nollywood actress, Nancy Isime.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a viral poster of the movie which is titled “Blood Brothers”, Nancy could be seen wearing a niqab as a costume in a robbery scene.
Niqab is a long garment worn by some Muslim women to cover the entire body and face, except the eye. It symbolises modesty and piety.
The Niqab as custome has since been condemned online. Many muslims and the group, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), called on NFVCB to ban the film, describing it as satanic.
NFVCB replied to the people’s request through a statement released on Friday.
It noted that the film is still in production and has not been submitted for classification.
The agency said, “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, has 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 the 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.”
