'Half Of A Yellow Sun' Still Not Showing Due To Delay By Nigerian Censors

jonathan

May 2, 2014 2:36 PM

Dubbed the film of the year, the movie ‘Half Of A Yellow Sun’, which was earlier postponed from showing at the cinema from April 25 to May 2, have been postponed indefinitely.

This is due to the refusal by the National Film and Video Censors Board to grant a certificate which will allow the movie to be shown in Nationwide Cinemas.

Shareman Media, the Nigerian producers, and FilmOne Distribution, the Nigerian distributors, of the feature film, Half of a Yellow Sun, have also released a statement to that effect, announcing that when the certificate is issued, a date will be passed across.

"The public release of Half of a Yellow Sun in Nigeria remains postponed due to the fact that the National Film and Video Censors Board has not yet certified the film. The release date will be announced once the Board has certified the film for release to the public.

“The producers and distributors of the film regret this continuing delay. We are deeply appreciative of the overwhelming interest shown in the film by Nigerians everywhere. Please be assured that we are doing everything within our means to achieve certification and release as soon as possible."

Meanwhile several movie industry insiders have shared their thoughts on the hesitance of the Censor's Board to release the movie.

In an exclusive chat with Pulse, AMAA award nominee, James Omokwe questioned the sudden motion to delay the film in spite of the fact that the body should have reviewed the movie months ahead.

In his words:

"I've heard the rumours surrounding the ban or delay from the censors board. I might understand their unwillingness to allow footage that might fuel the current crises in the country, be broadcast, However, I also read that this film was given to them months ago to be reviewed. This questions their sudden motion to ban or delay the film a few days to the release date. I believe they have their reasons but then the reasons should be made known so that people don't misunderstand the situation."

Also lending his voice to the issue, AMVCA Award winner, Walter "Banger" Tayaur had this to say:

"HOAYS is a landmark collaboration between the Nigerian film industry and our foreign counterparts. From a filmmaker's point of view, I believe a film of such magnitude should actually be encouraged wherever possible, to fully capitalise on its potential in becoming a huge box office hit. This especially for our growing industry where practioners are still trying to access the most profitable and sustainable avenues for filmmaking. I do understand the Censor board's role in protecting audiences from any content that they feel may be detrimental to their well being. However, I also feel that they have an obligation to create an enabling environment for our industry to grow on a global scale. It's a tough balancing act but I have faith that the right will outcome will prevail."

It remains to be seen whether the situation will be resolved and film watchers will get a chance to see a movie which is in many ways the biggest international, Nolly-Hollywood collaboration.

jonathan