Film’s board, NFVCB responds to call for ban of Nancy Isime’s movie
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has responded to demands for the ban of a controversial film featuring notable actress Nancy Isime.
Previously, Isime appeared in a viral poster for an upcoming movie, dressed in a niqab and hijab—traditional Muslim attire—during a robbery scene. This image sparked outrage among many Muslims, including the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), who labeled the film as satanic and urged the NFVCB to prohibit its release.
In a statement released on Friday, the NFVCB addressed the calls for a ban, clarifying that the film is still in production and has not yet been submitted for review.
“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 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.”
