The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has responded to demands for a ban on a controversial film starring Nancy Isime.
Isime recently posted images from the upcoming film, in which she is seen wearing a niqab and holding a gun.
A niqab is a full-body garment worn by some Muslim women that covers everything except the eyes.
The photos sparked widespread backlash on social media, with many users criticizing Isime for portraying Muslim attire in a context involving a robbery scene.
Joining the fray, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) called on the NFVCB to ban the controversial film, which it described as “satanic”.
Reacting to the calls in a statement, NFVCB disclosed that the film is still in production and has not been submitted for classification.
The board said the film producers are “working to address the issues raised by the public”.
The NFBCB added that it will not overlook creative works “that abuse, denigrate, or undermine religious, cultural and ethnic sensibilities”.
“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 respect, modesty and religious devotion, with negative moral vices,” the statement reads in part.
“Our check revealed that the movie has not been released, and it has not been submitted to the NFVCB 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, the NFVCB will not overlook any film or video works, including dramatized short contents (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 films and video works whilst balancing the need to preserve freedom of expression within the law, and limit social, cultural and religious harm caused by films.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian actress, has reacted amid calls for the ban of a controversial film she featured in.
Isime, via an Instagram post, shared a series of photos with captions emphasizing her focus on peace and personal goals.
“Really out the way. In my own world. No drama, no gossip. Just goals and money. Peace is where I’m at,” she wrote in the photos.
“I don’t bother nobody & I’m not bothered by nobody. That’s my peace. To protect my peace, I stopped taking other people’s projected opinions personally.
“Reminder: Your light often highlights other people’s insecurities and shortcomings, which they will then project back to you as a flaw. It’s a coping mechanism. Attacking you makes them feel safer.
“Isime baby, omo ologo 5g. The brightest light. The city on a hill that can never be hidden. The Nancy Isime. Big name, big force.
“Getting talked about do not faze me. Look at people who are talking.”
Agency report
