NFVCB threatens legal action against producers of Living in Colors movie
By Damilola Akinwale –
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has moved to halt the “Media Press Call and Movie Premiere of Living in Colors”, alleging that the film contains explicit content and promotes same-sex relationships.
The board disclosed that legal proceedings were being initiated against the production company, as well as the individual producers and promoters involved, citing the NFVCB Act and the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NFVCB said it became aware of promotional materials, including a poster and trailer for the film, advertising a media event and premiere scheduled for this weekend at a cinema facility in Lagos.
“The attention of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has been drawn to a promotional poster and trailer circulating across media channels regarding an event titled ‘Media Press Call and Movie Premiere of Living in Colors’, scheduled to hold this weekend at a cinema facility in Lagos,” the statement read.
According to the board, preliminary investigations and reports indicated that the film’s trailer depicts explicit pornography and promotes same-sex relationships. It noted that the film had neither been submitted to, vetted nor classified by the NFVCB, making its exhibition and promotion illegal.
The board consequently threatened to halt the planned press call and premiere at the designated venue in collaboration with federal and state security agencies.
It also warned the management of the exhibition centre and venue providers that hosting an unclassified film would constitute a breach of applicable digital and theatrical content laws, potentially resulting in the sealing of the facility and revocation of its operational licence. The NFVCB further warned content creators, cinema operators and media distribution platforms against promoting the movie.
Living in Colors is scheduled for release on YouTube on August 30 by Prism House Studio. It was produced by Manuel Ruben and directed by Tega Idogho, and features actors including Solomon James, Gabby John, Kris Shaddy, Khalid Omokalemoh, Mirable Samuel, Temitope Alex, Joshua Eronini, Daniel Nsude and Emery Ogolo.
