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A
scene from the movie, The Interview
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The National Film and
Video Censors Board (NFVCB) said Monday that the North Korean Mission in
Nigeria had made a formal complaint to it over the illegal distribution of a
film which the mission regarded as provocative. This
is contained in a statement issued by the head of Corporate Affairs of NFVCB,
Mike Ekunno.
The
statement said that the North Korean mission viewed the movie as not only
provocative but also targeted at instigating the assassination of the North
Korean Supreme Leader, Kim Jong-un.
A
2014 American political satire film, The Interview, directed by Seth Rogen and
Evan Goldberg had generated controversy across the world for depicting the
assassination of the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un.
PREMIUM TIMES report continues:
According
to the statement, the North Korean Ambassador in Nigeria, Jong Choi, expressed
displeasure with the movie during a courtesy call to the NFVCB.
Mr.
Choi was quoted as saying that the movie did not only misrepresent the
developments achieved by his country but sought to portray and instigate
negative global opinion against its leadership.
The
ambassador therefore pleaded with the NFVCB to initiate action to mop the movie
out of the Nigerian market, while also cutting the supply source.
“A
formal complaint had earlier been lodged at the Nigeria Police headquarters
over the issue,” it said.
The
ambassador also underscored the long-standing friendly relations between
Nigeria and North Korea, and emphasised the need to deepen the ties.
The
statement quoted the Director General of NFVCB, Patricia Bala, as informing the
envoy that the agency had carried out due diligence in investigating the
matter.
Mrs.
Bala said that the movie in question was never submitted to be considered for
distribution in Nigeria and that its illegal sale was carried out within
underground markets.
“The
rules and regulations guiding distribution and exhibition of movies in Nigeria
frown at any content capable of causing a breach of public order or subjecting
any individual or nation to ridicule.
“The
agency has already swung into action against the illegal distribution of the
said movie.
“The
monitoring and enforcement operatives of the board are under clear directives
to track and bring those involved to face the full weight of the law,’’ the
statement said.
Mrs.
Bala solicited for partnership to build capacity of Nigerian movie industry in
the production of children-friendly animation which North Korea was acclaimed
for.
She,
however, said that North Korea had given an assurance to initiate moves toward
bringing in North Korean animation experts to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in
the area.
(NAN)
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