The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), has reacted to a movie’s poster trending on social media that received criticism from Muslims.
In a statement on Thursday, NFVCB said the movie trending on X has not been released to Nigeria’s market.
On the poster, are three women, wearing hijabs, holding guns beside their captives.
While two of the women stood, one of the women in hijab squatted in front of the captives.
One of the critics of the movie poster, former Digital Communication Assistant to ex-president Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmed, said the poster ridiculed the virtue hijab represents to Muslim women.
“I join my brothers and sisters to strongly protest the use of the Hijab (Niqab) in an upcoming Nigerian movie produced by one Ms. Bolanle Ayo. The Hijab is an outfit deeply attributed to Muslim women that symbolizes respect, modesty, and religious devotion. And, I believe it should not be used as a mere costume in a movie, especially when the scenes it portrays are clearly associated with negative moral vices.
“Using the Hijab in such scenes is a profound disrespect to our mothers, sisters, and daughters. This garment is a symbol of respect, and portraying it in a manner that suggests otherwise is offensive to those who wear it for religious purposes.
“The producers of this movie should have considered alternative costumes, such as balaclavas or masks, for such scenes. For us, the Hijab (Niqab) is not worn by our women to hide their identity to commit crimes but to respect, follow, and abide by the teachings of our religion,” he said.
Bashir further called on NFVCB to take action against the movie. “We also urge the National Film and Video Censors Board to censor these hurtful scenes to protect the dignity of those who wear the Hijab,” he added on Thursday, on his X handle.
In reaction, the film and video works regulatory body said it was committed to preserving Nigeria’s culture.
NFVCB’s statement added, “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 contribute to the positive transformation of 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.“
