The public of release ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ has been postponed indefinitely.
The film was supposed to open in cinemas across the country last Friday but its release was shifted till today because of an inability to obtain certification from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).
The Board is however taking its time with the certification, making promoters announce another shift in the release date.
A statement signed by Adeoye Omotayo of R & B Public Relations Limited on behalf of Shareman Media, the Nigerian producers, and FilmOne Distribution, the Nigerian distributors on Friday morning read:
“The public release of ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ in Nigeria remains postponed due to the fact that the National Film and Video Censors Board has not yet certified the film. The release date will be announced once the Board has certified the film for release to the public.
“The producers and distributors of the film regret this continuing delay. We are deeply appreciative of the overwhelming interest shown in the film by Nigerians everywhere. Please be assured that we are doing everything within our means to achieve certification and release as soon as possible.”
Though the development is causing disquiet among movie buffs eager to see the film and who are thinking the delay might be a ploy by the Censors Board to ban the movie, the Board has denied planning to stop its release.
Caesar Kagho, the Acting Head, Corporate Affairs of NFVCB had explained earlier in the week in a statement that the management was ensuring that some unresolved issues in the movie were sorted out in accordance with the laid down regulations of the board.
The statement did not, however, state the ‘unresolved issues.’
Adapted from a same titled novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ features a world class cast including Oscar nominated Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton, Genevieve Nnaji, Hakeem Kae-Kazim and John Boyega.
