The Nigerian Government, through the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), has responded to calls for banning a controversial film featuring actress Nancy Isime.
Isime appeared in a viral poster for an upcoming movie, wearing a niqab in a robbery scene. The niqab is a garment worn by some Muslim women to cover their entire body and face, except for the eyes.
The poster sparked widespread condemnation online, with many Muslims, including the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), urging the NFVCB to ban the film, calling it satanic.
In a statement on Friday, the NFVCB clarified that the film is still in production and has not been submitted for classification.
“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 associating the hijab, an outfit attributed to Muslim women symbolizing modesty and religious devotion, with negative moral vices.
“Our investigation revealed that the movie has not been released and has not been submitted for classification as required by law and our mandate.
“However, we have contacted the producers of the film and have taken steps to address the concerns raised.
“We reiterate that as a classification agency, we will not overlook any movie or video work, including skits, that abuse, denigrate, or undermine religious, cultural, and ethnic sensibilities.
“We are committed to contributing to the positive transformation of Nigerian society through the classification of video and film works while balancing the need to preserve freedom of expression within the law and limiting cultural, social, and religious harm caused by films,” the agency stated.
