Censors Board Finally Approves Release of Half of a Yellow Sun

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has scored a huge success against pirates and marketers of pornographic and unwholesome movies, even as it finally ended the long wait for the release of Nigeria’s biggest budget movie, Half of a Yellow Sun, an adaptation of Chimamanda Adichie’s book, of the same title, directed by Biyi Bandele.

The Board’s approval of Half of a Yellow Sun (HOAYS) for viewership in Nigeria follows months of apprehension during which the fate of the film hung in the balance. The clean bill of health for HOAYS comes after spirited battle by all sectors of movie practitioners in Nigeria who viewed the uncertain fate of HOAYS as a bad omen for the industry.

A statement from the Board’s spokesperson, Caesar Kagho, simply listed HOAYS among 77 films that got the board’s approval. Shareman Media and FilmOne Distribution, the marketing companies for HOAYS, confirmed that the movie, Half of a Yellow Sun has been certified for theatrical release in Nigeria. The movie was given the 18 certification.

Reports have it that the producers may announce a release date that would ensure that the film is shown in Nigerian theatres in the next three weeks.
Kargho also announced that NFVCB is set to burn N10 million worth of pornographic and unwholesome movies seized within FCT and environs during targeted operation between January and June.