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The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has reacted to claims that it ordered cinemas nationwide to stop showing a recently released movie, Sugar Rush, because the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was portrayed as an incompetent organisation.
The comedy-drama, which has grossed about N160million since its release on December 25, 2019, was directed by Kayode Kasum and promoted by singer Bankole Wellington aka Banky W and wife, Adesua.
The film is about three sisters who accidentally discover $800,000 (N288million) in the house of a corrupt man. Critics say failed attempts by the EFCC in the movie to recover the money, depicted the EFCC operatives as incompetent and clumsy.
But in a statement, the NFVCB said the movie only got temporary approval for showing during Christmas. The board stressed that the portrayal of the EFCC had nothing to do with the suspension.
A statement signed by Executive Director of the Board, Adedayo Thomas, said: “It has come to our notice that #BringBackSugarRush is currently gaining momentum on Twitter with many speculating a ban on the movie ‘Sugar Rush’ and presuming the supposed action as a sign of government’s intention to stifle creativity.
“The movie has not just significantly increased box office revenues within a short period but has improved our cinematic culture which is sine qua non for attracting the investment we so much desire as a nation.”
Thomas, took responsibility for the final approval of the movie, saying he was preoccupied with extant responsibilities.
His words: “I, however, take responsibility for the gap in communication and the delay in granting final approval as the temporary approval given for the movie exhibition expired before we could release an official statement due to my preoccupation with extant responsibilities and a backlog of movies requiring approval as a result of the December rush.
“I am currently working with the distributor, producer, director and key actors to grant final approval for the resumed exhibition at cinemas.”