The thin line between government regulation and creative expression
The Nigeria Film and Video Censorship Board, (../../NFVCB.jpg), has delayed the release of the widely publicized and internationally acclaimed film, which was set to have its Nigeria premiere on April 25. “…according to them, it might incite violence in the country… It is now up to the State Security Service to make a decision,” Adichie notes in an article published May 1st.
Criticizing the Nigerian government and their tendency to hide from history she explains that “…the censors’ action is more disappointing than surprising, because it is part of a larger Nigerian political culture that is steeped in denial, in looking away.” The film released last year (2013) is a Nigerian drama based on the Adichie’s novel and directed by Biyi Bandele. The film is a love story that follows two sisters who are caught up in the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War and stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Thandie Newton.
Adichie’s choice of subject matter remains controversial in the region, and many fear the movie could “stoke up ethnic tensions” if shown. The board’s justification involves their mission which includes ensuring that “objectionable materials capable of inciting civil strife is reduced or eliminated completely” and banning material that would “encourage racial, religious or ethnic discrimination or conflict.” Nigeria is known for its ethnic, religious and political wars; recently the kidnapping of an estimated 200 girls has caught the attention of the international community. “Many of Nigeria’s present problems are, arguably, consequences of a historical culture… The past is present, and we are better off acknowledging it and, hopefully, learning from it.”
Kenya knows a little about censorship, the Kenyan Censorship Board recently banned Wolf of Wall street directed by Martin Scorsese, “saying any movie with such explicit content is unfit for public consumption.” Earlier, in 2008, Otto the Blood Bath, the first Kenyan horror film was banned deemed too horrific by the Board. Additionally, the media laws introduced last year had the media up in arms; passed by Kenya’s National Assembly they effectively silenced critical reporting through a new government-controlled regulator and the threat of hefty fines. With restrictions like these along with the introduction of the contentious anti-press legislation last year many wonder where the line between public protection and government repression is.
By Ondi Madete
