The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has moved to stop the planned Lagos premiere of Living in Colors, after determining that the film was being promoted without the required classification and allegedly contained prohibited content.
The Board said it was working with federal and state security agencies to disrupt the planned media event and premiere, scheduled to hold this weekend at a cinema in Lagos.
In a statement on Wednesday, the NFVCB said it became aware of the event after promotional materials, including a poster and trailer for the film, began circulating online.
According to the Board, preliminary examination of the trailer showed what it described as “explicit pornography” as well as content promoting same-sex relationships.
The NFVCB said the film had not been submitted to it for examination and classification, making its public exhibition or promotion unlawful under relevant Nigerian laws.
“Consequently, the Board is collaborating with federal and state security agencies to track down, disrupt, and halt the planned press call and premiere event at the designated venue,” it said.
The regulatory body said it had also contacted the management of the cinema and other potential venues, warning them against providing facilities for the event.
It threatened to seal any venue that proceeds with the premiere and revoke its operating licence.
The Board further disclosed that legal action was being initiated against the production company, producers and promoters of the film over the alleged violations.
It said the proceedings would be pursued under the NFVCB Act and the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, citing provisions relating to the public exhibition and distribution of prohibited or unclassified content.
The NFVCB consequently warned filmmakers, cinema operators and media distribution platforms against promoting or facilitating the exhibition of Living in Colors, urging them to withdraw from the planned event.
The Board said the action was part of its responsibility to regulate film and video content and protect Nigeria’s “moral, cultural, and constitutional values.”
