Nigeria’s film classification body, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), has issued a stern warning to Nollywood filmmakers, calling for an end to the portrayal of smoking and crime in a positive light. This move comes amidst growing concerns about the potential negative influence such content can have on viewers, particularly young audiences.
A Call for Responsible Filmmaking
The NFVCB’s Director-General, Alhaji A.B. Kwarten, made the announcement during a recent event commemorating World No Tobacco Day. He emphasized the board’s commitment to promoting responsible filmmaking practices and protecting the public from harmful content.
Nollywood is a powerful force in Nigerian culture,” Kwarten stated. Our films reach millions of people, both within Nigeria and across the diaspora. We have a responsibility to ensure the content we produce is not glamorizing unhealthy habits or criminal activity.”
Smoking in the Spotlight
Kwarten specifically pointed to the frequent depiction of smoking as a symbol of coolness or sophistication in Nollywood films. He highlighted the dangers of such portrayals, especially considering the rising tobacco use rates among Nigerian youth.
Smoking is a major public health concern,” Kwarten stressed. “It is linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. We cannot allow our films to normalize this dangerous habit.”
Crime: A Serious Issue
The NFVCB’s stance on crime also garnered significant attention. Kwarten expressed concern about the portrayal of gangsters and criminals as glamorous heroes, potentially desensitizing viewers to the real-life consequences of crime.
Crime is a serious issue in Nigeria,” Kwarten said. “We cannot afford to trivialize it in our films. We need to be sending a clear message that crime does not pay.”
Debate Within the Industry
The NFVCB’s warning has sparked a lively debate within the Nollywood industry. Some filmmakers have expressed support for the board’s position, acknowledging the need for more responsible storytelling.
“I understand the NFVCB’s concerns,” said veteran director Femi Akinlade. “We, as filmmakers, have a responsibility to be mindful of the impact our work can have on society. There are ways to tell compelling stories without resorting to glorifying smoking or crime.”
However, other filmmakers have voiced concerns about censorship and creative freedom. They argue that the NFVCB’s guidelines could stifle creativity and limit their ability to portray real-life issues.
Nollywood films often reflect the realities of Nigerian society,” argued filmmaker Kemi Adebayo. “Crime and poverty are real problems. We can’t ignore them in our films. The challenge is to portray these issues responsibly, without glorifying them.”
Self-Regulation and Collaboration
The NFVCB has assured filmmakers that it is not seeking to impose strict censorship. Instead, the board is encouraging filmmakers to engage in self-regulation and explore alternative storytelling techniques.
“We understand the importance of creative freedom,” Kwarten said. “However, we believe that filmmakers can be creative while still promoting positive messages. There are plenty of ways to tell a good story without resorting to harmful stereotypes.”
The NFVCB has also proposed a series of workshops and training sessions to help filmmakers understand the board’s guidelines and explore alternative storytelling approaches. This collaborative approach seems to be finding favor with some filmmakers.
“I think the workshops are a great idea,” said Akinlade. “It’s an opportunity for filmmakers and the NFVCB to have a dialogue and find common ground. We all want to make great films, but we also want to ensure our films are responsible and don’t have a negative impact on society.”
A Crucial Conversation for Nollywood’s Future
While the debate around content regulation in Nollywood is likely to continue, the NFVCB’s recent warning has undeniably shifted the conversation. The issue of responsible filmmaking has taken center stage, forcing Nollywood to confront the potential impact of its content on viewers, particularly young Nigerians. This is a crucial conversation for the future of Nigerian cinema, one that could ultimately lead to the production of more impactful and socially conscious films.
