THE National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has issued a stern warning to the producers of ‘Living in Colors’, threatening regulatory action over the movie’s planned premiere in Lagos this Sunday.
Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NFVCB, confirmed that the film’s trailer, released on Sunday, August 23, actively promotes same-sex relationships and depicts explicit pornography.
Speaking to The Guardian, Dr. Husseini stated that while he has not viewed the full movie, the trailer alone constitutes a violation of Nigerian laws.
“The Board states categorically that this film has neither been submitted, vetted, nor classified by the NFVCB, rendering any public exhibition or promotion completely illegal,” he said.
“Consequently, the Board is taking immediate regulatory actions on the movie, the filmmakers and on the exhibition centre that would allow the premiere and public exhibition of a movie that has not been licensed by the NFVCB.”
The movie, slated for premiere at Banex Mall on Akiogun Road, Oniru Lekki, Lagos, explores the lives of five young flatmates navigating life as queers in Lagos. The producer claims the film delves into love, betrayal, desperation, brotherhood, and sexuality.
Homosexuality remains strictly criminalised in Nigeria under the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act passed in 2014 by the Goodluck Jonathan administration, which built on existing sodomy prohibitions. Nigeria is among 30 African countries where homosexuality is criminalised, and authorities have previously threatened legal action against creators of LGBTQ+ content.
In 2020, the government threatened jail time against the creators of the lesbian love story ‘Ìfé’. Despite the LGBTQ+ community in Africa becoming increasingly vocal and visible with the help of the internet, which has provided a platform for films, talk shows, and websites, such content remains banned in Nigeria.
The NFVCB has warned that filmmakers are planning a surprise release to catch regulators off-guard, but the Board is diligently monitoring all digital platforms to prevent the movie from being distributed. The main characters in ‘Living in Colors’ are Jeremy, Justine, Efe, Chris, Shawn, and Robert.
Dr. Husseini thanked The Guardian for bringing the matter to his attention, adding: “We will take necessary action.”
