The Nigerian Government, through the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), has responded to calls to ban a controversial film featuring actress Nancy Isime.
Newsglobal gathered that Isime appears in a viral poster for an upcoming movie, wearing a niqab during a robbery scene. The niqab is a garment worn by some Muslim women that covers the body and face, leaving only the eyes visible.
The image has sparked a lot of criticism online, especially from Muslims. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the NFVCB to ban the film, describing it as offensive.
In a statement on Friday, the NFVCB explained that the film is still being made and hasn’t been submitted for review. “We have received complaints about an upcoming Nigerian movie that associates the Hijab, a symbol of modesty and religious devotion for Muslim women, with negative actions.
Our investigation shows that the movie has not been released and has not been submitted for classification. However, we have contacted the producers to address the concerns raised.
As a classification agency, we will not tolerate any movie or video that disrespects or undermines religious, cultural, or ethnic sensibilities. We are committed to helping positively transform Nigerian society through film classification, balancing freedom of expression with the need to prevent cultural, social, and religious harm caused by films,” the agency stated.
SKJ