The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has addressed concerns about the upcoming film “Blood Brothers,” which involves a scene where the niqab is utilized in a robbery.
After a photo of the scene was shared on Instagram, Muslims expressed their outrage. The NFVCB explained in a statement issued by Director-General Shaibu Husseini that the film hadn’t yet been released or submitted for classification.
The board has contacted the producers to discuss the situation, emphasizing its commitment to balancing free expression with the need to protect religious, cultural, and ethnic sensibilities.
The statement reassures that the NFVCB would take steps to ensure that films and video works do not spread negative stereotypes or violate religious and cultural beliefs.
See statement:
“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.”
