LAGOS – The Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, on Wednesday urged Nigerian film makers to comply with censorship rules.
Its spokesman, Mr Razak Balogun, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that some filmmakers have continued to flout laid down rules with impunity.
“Many foreign and local films and video works are released into the market without passing through the board for censorship and classification.’’
Balogun said that the legally restrictive classifications were not being adhered to, adding that it was common to see those below 18 years of age watching movies meant for 18 years and above.
The spokesman added that the organisation’s officers were being blackmailed, and some have received several threats to their lives by some film makers, who try to force them to bend the rules.
“In most cases, family members are called on phone to talk to officers to soften their stance,’’he said.
The spokesman said that the board was faced with enormous challenges, including poor funding, sabotage and multiple film release.
Balogun called for a synergy between the board and the law enforcement agencies, to compel players in the industry to comply with the censorship rules.
He stressed the need for actors and filmmakers to be given orientation on preservation and promotion of national values through film making.
He urged filmmakers to appreciate the fact that money should not be the central focal point when producing films but what the society would gain from such films.
“One man cannot be a producer, a director and a marketer.
“We need a better synergy of professionals to be able to create films that can make a global impact and enable Nigerian artistes to compete with their foreign counterparts,” he added. (NAN)