In a renewed drive to fully implement its mandate as a regulatory agency, the management of the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board has resolved to commence censorship and classification of cinematograph works including musicals, that would be exhibited within the state just as it is poised to begin registration of associations and practitioners in the film and music industry.
Executive Secretary of the Board, Mr. Bamidele Balogun, disclosed this during a meeting with some stakeholders in his office. He said it had become imperative for the board to commence the censorship and classification based on the concerns of some Lagos residents particularly with regard to the content and production qualities of the film being produced and exhibited within the State.
According to him, ‘Some people have openly expressed their misgivings about the quality of the content and production of the films being exhibited within the State and as a body set up to superintend the film and music sector, it behoves us to address those issues so that things should be done properly’.
He stated that the board had decided that any film meant for exhibition in the state that did not carry the seal of LSFVCB would not only be confiscated, the outlet selling such films would be sealed up. ‘Any cinemas that failed to register with the Board would not be allowed to operate within the State. That is what the law says’.
The Executive Secretary disclosed that the body in the past had an agreement with the National Film and Video Censors Board where the two bodies jointly censored and classified films amongst other things but the agreement had expired and no longer in force.
Mr. Balogun said as a result of this development, the management of the State Film and Video Censors Board had been meeting with associations and bodies within the film industry to apprise them with the development and encourage them to register with the board adding that reactions from them had been positive.
“As an agency of government driven by law and process, we expect all those involved in cinematograph works to discharge their responsibilities according to the dictates of the law”, he said and advised all stakeholders within the film industry in the state to comply with the new directive stating that the Board existed for their interest and would only protect the interest of those who abide by the law.
Balogun revealed that the board was in partnership with some private organizations that offer incentives to practitioners in the film industry and only those that are registered with the board would be recognized for such benefits.
