National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has issued a warning to filmmakers and musicians to refrain from releasing their films or songs on YouTube without the approval of the commission.
The warning came from an official of the North-West Regional Commission, Malam Umar G. Fage, in a letter sent to the filmmakers and singers.
In a statement, written on behalf of the commission’s executive director, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas, the official said: A site where YouTube videos are uploaded without the agency’s approval, in violation of sections 5 (1), 33 (1) of the 1993 Act, cap. N40 LFN 2004 and the 2008 Act.
“The commission, therefore, urges you to be careful and to submit your films and videos of your songs so that you do not face the wrath of the law.”
Earlier in his paper, and Film magazine got a copy, Umar G. Fage appealed to all film producers, music video producers, filmmakers and film business people to pay close attention to what the law says. set up a board of trustees.
He said the law titled ‘Cap. No. LFN 2004 ’and‘ Regulations 2008 ’formerly known as‘ Decree No. 85 of 1993 ’created the National Film and Video Board with the power to oversee all aspects of the film and video production industry in Nigeria.
“It is, therefore, the responsibility of the commission to issue a license for film and video production and a venue for film and video production.
Apart from these activities, the commission has been given the authority to screen film and video projects and give them a class number to sit in, and then carry out such activities as enshrined in the law establishing the commission.”
If you recall, the Kano State Film Censorship Board (KSFC) recently ordered the release of movies or songs on YouTube without being edited.
The chairman of the commission, Alhaji Isma’il Na’abba (Afakallah), threatened that his commission would punish anyone caught disobeying the order.
But so far Fim magazine has not heard of any action being taken against the filmmakers and the songs without their agency’s approval.
