The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has responded to concerns about the film “Blood Brothers” featuring Nancy Isime, which has fallen flat with netizens.
After a photo from the scene showing a niqab being used in a robbery was posted on Instagram, many Muslims were upset.
NFVCB Director-General, Shaibu Husseini, said the film has not been released or reviewed yet.
The NFVCB has contacted the film’s producers to talk about the issue, promising to balance free speech with respect for religious, cultural, and ethnic values.
The NFVCB also promised to take steps to make sure films do not spread negative stereotypes or disrespect religious and cultural beliefs.
See statement below:
“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.
“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.”
See post below for further details:
Re: The Hijab and upcoming Nigerian Movie pic.twitter.com/Az46dvnMza
— NFVCB Nigeria (@nfvcbng) July 25, 2024
Reacting, netizens dropped the following comments:
donferan10: “Better make una go warm Eba”
vitorroque9_: “God forbid, Africans are religious bigots”
Daalnod: “Just so you know. The hijab isn’t owned nor created by Muslims.
Islam adopted its use. I don’t know why they are crying up and down.”
Chimaizuobi: “They will release it abroad and we will all watch, thank you”
PrinceSomorin: “You screwed up on this one. I didn’t watch local content but will make an exception to watch this one when it’s released hopefully overseas.”
PaultwinOkoye: “You’ve just released a statement saying absolutely nothing”
Zarmaomar: “Thank you for your prompt response. Those of you that have no single regard for your religion keep doing that without crossing the boundaries.”
