A Nigerian lesbian movie titles “IFE” is set for release despite warnings from Nigerian Film and Video Censor Board (NFVCB). The movie is produced and directed by Uyaiedu Ikoe-Etim.
The movie titles which means “love” in Yoruba language violates the country’s strict laws on homosexuality. According to a report by BBC, the filmmakers are determined to get the movie accross to it Nigerian audience.
The report says the film makers are planning a surprise online release in order to catch the regulators unaware.
Although, the censors board are aware and patiently waiting and monitoring all digital platforms to check the release of the movie.
CENSORS BOARD
The Censors Board boss, Adebayo Thomas, stated that both the producer and the director, and indeed all involved in the film could be risking jail terms of 14 years sentence for promoting homosexuality in a country where same-sex relationships are forbidden.
BBC in the report stated that the filmmakers are planning a private screening in Lagos at the end of the month and they do not need the approval of the regulators to go ahead.
It was also reported that the film is being billed for international premiere in Canada in October of this year.
BBC quotes the producer, Adie as saying the film was to show an accurate picture of lesbian and bi-sexual women in Nigerian movies
“If a lesbian woman appears in a standard Nollywood movie, they are often portrayed as being possessed, influenced by bad friends or forced into homosexuality and always needing “saving”, she said.
“You rarely see stories about LGBT people, especially about queer women that speak to the realities of our lives.
ABOUT THE MOVIE
“Ife was made to bridge the gap and to get the conversation going in Nigeria.”
“Ife” is a story about two women, played by Uzoamaka Aniunoh and Cindy Amadi who fall in love after spending three days together.
They “then have their love tested by the realities of being in a same-sex relationship in a country like Nigeria”, according to the publicity for the film.
