Nigeria – NFVCB Reacts To Controversial Nancy Isime’s Movie “Blood Brothers”

By Utebor Paul, Nigeria

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has reacted to calls to ban Nancy Isime’s movie titled “Blood Brothers”, over the use of the hiqab in a robbery scene in the movie.

Recall that Blood Brothers raised controversies among Muslims after the popular actress Isime shared a photo of it on Instagram on Monday, with some calling for the ban of the movie.

The NFVCB, in its statement by the director general, noted that it will not fail to notice any video works that undermine religious, cultural and ethnic sensibilities.

He further added that the agency has reached out to the producers, stating that the movie has not been released nor submitted for classification as required by law and NFVCB mandate.

The statement said: “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.”