(PDF) Mission and Vision of the Kano State Censorship Board

Mission and Vision of the Kano State Censorship Board

Compiled and edited by

Aliyu S. Barau

2

Foreword

In the Name of Allah, the Most gracious, the Most Merciful.

May His Peace and Blessings be with Prophet Muhammad, His Servant and

Envoy, members of his family and the good people that hoist the flag of

decency and morality till the final hour strikes.

One of the principal duties and responsibilities of every representative and

responsible government is the protection and upholding human values,

dignity and moral uprightness. Human beings are the most venerable of all

what Allah creates on the earth. In view of that Kano State government has

accorded utmost attention to institutions and organisations that work towards

achieving that noble objective. Kano State Censorship Board is one of such

organisations at the front of guiding and monitoring all facets of arts in order

for them to be instructive to the public and free of any unwanted moral

contamination.

The primary responsibility of the board is to filter any viewable, audible or

readable material produced by the mass media, or via the internet or

performed on the stage. It is the duty of the board to censor such materials

before they are released for public consumption; educate the stakeholders

and the general public; and to prosecute the defaulters.

Created eight years ago, the board has grown from strength to strength

plucking success in its major operational areas like censoring of films and

publications and literary works, monitoring of cinematographic activities,

engagement of the stakeholders, media, security operatives, academics,

intellectuals, traditional and religious leaders.

3

This publication is the first of its kind since the board was created. It sheds

more light on the historical development of the board, the laws and

regulations that guide the operations of the board, some of its achievements,

and the visions it sets for the future breakthroughs.

I wish to present this publication to our esteemed stakeholders, friends in the

related organisations, practitioners in the movie and other arts industry,

scholars, researchers and students.

I wish to acknowledge the contributions and support of the Kano State

government under the able leadership of His Excellency, the Executive

Governor of Kano State, Mallam Ibrahim Sheakarau. I also appreciate the

efforts of the Director General, Research and Documentation Directorate,

Government House, Kano; I also appreciate the efforts of Aliyu Barau who

compiled and edited the work, I am pleased with the support that I enjoy

from all the Directors of the various departments and the entire staff of the

board.

Thank and God bless

Mallam Abubakar Rabo Abdulkarim

Director General

Kano State Censorship Board

Rabiu Thani - 1429 AH/April, 2008

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Chapter One

Introduction

The level of development, security and stability of every society is measured

by the balance it has achieved between its moral values and modernisation.

The moral values include the set of beliefs, heritage and social organisation

that bind people together. Nowadays, globalisation and modernisation as

overwhelming processes attempt at homogenisation of human cultures and

values. Whereas, the people and environment of our world are diverse and

our diversity is not meant to foment animosity but promote understanding of

each other. The clarion call for the unification of the human culture is

coming from one direction i.e. the western world. The western world is now

undertaking a sustained campaign of phasing out the little values and

heritage that remain with us after our pathetic colonial and post colonial

experiences. The cheapest way of corrupting our cultural base is through the

use of tools of mass media namely, the internet, television, adverts, movies,

other cinematographs and through assorted literary works. These tools of

mass mind control and corruption are targeted on the youths of our

developing countries on whose shoulders lie the future of this generation and

yet unborn ones.

At this point, it is pertinent to reiterate that arts are part of our values and

cultural heritage. Oral and written literary works have always remained

performed and cherished in this part of the world in the name of

entertainment and leisure. In fact, Hausa drama and plays predated the

written creative works simply because for long since guilds of hunters,

blacksmiths, and butchers entertain the public through their drama and

5

theatre plays.1 Films and literature now form part of the popular culture with

seemingly unending and tremendous socioeconomic and technological

impacts on the Kano society. Kano citizens are not novice to the

development of Hausa drama and literary books. Mallam Aminu Kano of

blessed memory wrote a number of creative short stories and poems just like

Alhaji Mudi Spikin, Mallam Lawan Danbazau etc. Dr. Maitama Sule, the

Dan Masanin Kano was president of their school drama group who used to

play to entertain the Emir of Kano and some key British colonial officers

then serving in Kano.2

Just like in the past, films and literary works could be used to advance

societal reorientation and also reawaken the society towards understanding

the priorities and challenges of its time. Our film makers can sensitise the

public about maternal mortality and morbidity, politically induced violence

that engage youths, theft in the public coffers by selfish minds, growing

ecological problems, trafficking in women and children. Believably, this

generation of writers and actors must have touched one or most of the issues

raised but in the most unprofessional way or with a very stunted intelligence

or abuse of the principles of art.

In the recent history, Kano has witnessed a tremendous growth and

development of indigenous literature in the 1980s. Hundreds of books were

produced by young men and women across the corners of the city. The

major recurrent theme of the Hausa literature in the 1980s through the new

millennium is regarded as popular romance novels. The books are very

1 Ali, B. (2004) “Historical Review of Films and Hausa Dram, and their Impact on the Origin,

Development and Growth of Hausa Home Videos in Kano” in Hausa Home Videos: Technology,

Economy and Society. Proceedings of the First International Conference on Hausa Films organised

by the Centre for Hausa Cultural Studies Kano, Nigeria

2 Wada, N.K (2004) Islam: The Root of Hausa Culture and Home Video A Review of Historical Evolution

6

popular among the youths and adult women in particular. The popular

romance novel referred to as soyayya books are characterised by poor

editing which leads to poor orthography, poor quality production, and

promotion of moral decadence. The main inspiration of these Hausa authors

is drawn from Indian films. Therefore, the writers succeeded in producing

volumes of Hausa novels that reflected, adapted or imported the romance of

the Indian films. Since the late 1990s, some of the soyayya books have been

adapted for the modern Hausa home video industry. The films as the

offshoot of the soyayya books also adapt the Indian movie style though with

more vigour.

On the other hand, the booming literary and home video industries in Kano

State have come with many benefits for the people. They have created

abundant opportunities for the people who earn their living from the various

sectors of the popular culture industry. In fact, Kano has become the hub of

both home video and soyayya novels in northern Nigeria and beyond.

Several outlets for the business of film and literary industries are found

across the state. At the moment, the film industry in Kano State has

overtaken the book production industry, hence the term Kannywood. An

offshoot of the film industry in Kano is now the music, video/audio

advertisement industries, radio and TV stations as well as film viewing

centres which are all gently gaining ground across the four corners of the

state. However, the emerging home video industry and its offshoot are also

characterised by lack of professionalism in their production and marketing

just as it is alleged to be means of promotion of the corruption of our cultural

values. In fact, in many instances the substandard viewing centres pose

conflicts with their immediate neighbours and the larger society.

7

Therefore, it becomes appropriate for the government to intervene in the

sphere of popular culture in order to regulate the activities of the emerging

aforesaid threat to our culture. It forms part of the ideals of good governance

for the government to make such interventions in order to contain chaotic

setting and their effects on the society at large.

The aim of this work is to outline the functions, achievements, challenges

and visions of the Kano State Censorship Board. It will immensely assist our

booming popular culture industry when the people know and understand its

legal framework, operational constraints and other problems as well as

avenues for collaboration with stakeholders.

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Chapter Two

Is Popular Culture against Moral Values?

Art works constitute the bloodline of every society; in fact in many cultures

they are timeless schools that all generations are students of. Children and

adults learn a lot from oral literature and other genres of popular culture such

as the written literature, stage plays, music and songs etc. No doubt, these

are all creative works that demonstrate the social relevance of every

civilisation. In spite of the relevance of our creative art works conflict is

presently rising between our values and the popular culture. Of course, there

could be a gulf of understanding between the religious groups, the old

generation artistes, public agencies like the Censorship boards, Sharia

implementation agencies, the general public and on the other hand, the

young generation of popular culture artistes. It is most important that we

highlight some of the challenges that the popular culture pose to the society

and the moral question.

It is the Dan Masanin Kano, Dr. Yusuf Maitama Sule who accused the

contemporary arts and literature in Nigeria of being poorly in their

contributions to the society. The elder statesman points at the apparent

“…lack of creativity in arts and frustration in literature.”3 To paraphrase the

old generation politician and public orator of international repute, we can

deduce that the modern arts lack of sublime originality and creativity to

inject new ideas into our arts. There are also stumbling blocks in literature

which may include lack of creativity, plagiarisms, abuse of copy rights and

corruption of the societal moral values. One of the people that outrightly

3 Dan Masanin Kano delivered a pre-convocation lecture at Bayero University, Kano titled: On the Need

for an Ethical Revolution in Nigeria, January 11, 2002.

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condemns the Hausa films is Abdullahi Mohammed4 who identified the

factors that engineer the moral decadence associated with Hausa films to

include: lack of professional knowledge, age of the artistes, lack of

patriotism, free mingling of the sexes. In the same vein, Nura Ahmed5 also

highlighted some of the threats to the Hausa culture posed by the films and

which he attributes to the influences of the foreign cultures. He points that

there are behavioural constructs that are alien to Hausa; songs and music

which displace our traditional musical instruments and styles; of particular

notice is the way the Hausa orthography is being corrupted by the way titles

of films are written on posters, and cassette and CD/VCD/DVD packages.

Muhammad Jameel Yushau6 also puts his searchlight on the critics of Hausa

home video and the faults they view in the films. The author identifies the

list of film critics to bracket social conservatives who see it as deviation;

academics and intellectuals who see the Hausa films as products of the

uneducated and hence their world view; the disgruntled youths who

underrate the quality of the Hausa home video and see its viewer as

uncivilised; the last in the listing are the moderate who see Hausa films as

affair of women and children.

On the question of morality, Abdalla Uba Adamu7 identifies a framework

for code of conduct that a Hausa film should revolve around for it to be

acceptable as morally sound to the Hausa society. The indices in the code of

conduct that film makers are advised to take into consideration are 18 and

are given as follows:

4 Mohammed, A. (2004) Analysing the Moral Question in Hausa Films and the Censorship of the Hausa

Home Video.

5 Ahmad, N. (2004)The Influences of indigenous and Foreign Cultures on Hausa Home Video in Nigeria

6 Yusha’u, M.J. (2004) Hausa Home Videos: The Moral Question and Political Economy of the Media

7 Adamu, A.U. (2001) Hausa prose Fiction: Towards an Analytical Framework in FAIS Journal of

Humanities, Bayero University, Kano

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1. trust (also referred to as strict friendliness)

2. open handed generosity

3. patience

4. good sense

5. self esteem

6. wisdom

7. sociability

8. solidarity

9. religiosity, piety

10. gentle, sensitive

11. tactfulness

12. reserved, serious

13. industrious, gainfully employed

14. fortitude, courage, bravery

15. truth

16. bashfulness

17. scrupulous behaviour

18. courtesy

From all the above we can summarise the problems associated with film and

Hausa literary works production in Kano State to include all of the

following:

 apparent lack of professionalism

 general insensitiveness to the societal moral values

 poor funding and investment

 domination of the industry by amateur performers

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 poor knowledge of the ethics of writing, film production and

marketing etc

 exploitation of the young and amateur artiste by the more established

ones

 Lack of awareness of the state and national laws and policies

governing production of sundry works of arts.

 Poor operational environment for the development of literary, film

and other creative works.

 General abuse of the patent rights of film producers, writers, advert

makers by pirates and others.

 Engagement of the under age persons in the movie industry and their

admission into such places like cinemas, viewing centres etc.

In view of all of the above, there is need for codified sets of law to address

all of the above. Governments all over the world have put in place stringent

laws to guard against piracy, proliferation of pornography, violation of

patent rights, lack of professionalism, and host of other problems considered

as stringent by some critics. One of the principal agencies that check such

problems are censorship agencies or boards established by governments. It is

important to understand the concept of censorship and how it operates in

countries like Nigeria.

A foremost online encyclopedia defines Censorship as “the suppression of

speech or deletion of communicative material which may be considered

objectionable, harmful or sensitive, as determined by a censor. The rationale

for censorship is different for various types of data censored. Censorship is

the act or practice of removing material from things we encounter every day

on the grounds that it is obscene, vulgar, and/or highly objectionable.

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Whether it is on TV, in music, books, or on the Internet, censorship is an

inescapable part of human society.”8 Censorship is mainly categorised into

moral, religious, military and political. However, the scope of censorship in

this book is moral censorship a “means by which any material that contains

what the censor deems to be of questionable morality is removed. The

censoring body disapproves of what it deems to be the values behind the

material and limits access to it. Pornography, for example, is often censored

under this rationale.”9

In Nigeria the history of censorship goes back to 1933 during the colonial

era. Another related law is English Copyright Act of 1911 extended to

Nigeria in 1912 which was replaced by copyright act of 1970 and

subsequently copyright act no.47 of 1988. The National Film and Video

Censorship Board (NFVCB) was created by Decree no.85 of 1993 and

mandated to examine, assess, evaluate, classify and register films produced

in Nigeria.10 Subsequently, several states across the country deem it

expedient to follow suit by establishment of similar bodies within their own

domain in order to more specifically achieve the broader objectives of the

NFVCB. One of such states that borrowed the leaf is Kano State. Item 16 of

the 1991 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria concurrently

empower the state governments in this respect:

(16) “the National Assembly may make laws for the establishment of an

authority with power to carry out censorship of the cinematographic films

and to prohibit or restrict the exhibition of such films: and nothing herein

shall:-

8 http//www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Censorship

9 Ibid.

10 Usman, A.M (2004) Hausa Films and the Law

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a) prelude a house of assembly from making provision for a similar

authority for tat state: or

b) authorise the exhibition of a cinematograph film in a state without the

sanction of the authority established by the law of that state for the

censorship of such films.”

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Chapter Three

Kano State Censorship Board

This chapter traces the historical background of the Kano State Censorship

Board (KSCB), its organisational structure, and the duties of its various

units. These are given accordingly hereunder.

Historical Background

Kano State Censorship Board comes into being in the year 2001 as a

response to popular demand for the implementation of sharia legal system in

the state and many parts of northern Nigeria. The board is one of the

numerous parastatals of the Kano State Ministry of Information, Internal

Affairs, Sports, and Culture. Since then, the board has grown from strength

to strength recording modest and enviable achievements in its area of

jurisdiction. At its creation the board was headed by an Executive Secretary

who serves as the chief executive officer of the board. The pioneer

Executive Secretary of the Board is Alhaji Ahmed Dahiru Beli (2001- April

2003); followed by Alhaji Abdulkadir Abubakar Kurawa (2003-2007); and

the present chief executive of the board is Mallam Abubakar Rabo

Abdulkarim who was appointed as Executive Secretary on September 4th

2007 and later promoted to the rank of Director General by the Kano State

Executive Governor. When the board was created it was temporarily located

at Farm Centre in the City Centre before moving to its permanent site at the

3rd Floor of the CTV 67 building (Broadcasting House) located at Hotoro

along Maiduguri Road at the outskirts of Kano city.

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Organisational Structure of the Kano State Censorship Board

The law that established KSCB vested the responsibility of the

administration of the board on its board of directors and the management

committee.

Composition of the Board of Directors

This is the highest decision making body of the board that supervises the

activities of the management team and approves proposals and programmes

of the management team. The board is constituted by the following:

 Chairman

And representatives from the following organisations:

 Ministry of Justice

 Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Sports and Culture

 Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development

 CTV 67

 Sharia Commission

 Emirate Council

 Producers

 Marketers

 individuals nominated by the government

 Director General KSCB doubles as member /Secretary

Management Team

The management of the board is vested on the Director General who is the

chief executive of the board. The Director General is appointed by the

Executive Governor of Kano State. The Director General corresponds with

the government through Office of the Secretary to the State Government

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(SSG). The board has three operational departments each headed by a

Director. The departments are namely,

 Administration and General Services

This department is responsible for the general administration of the board. It

takes care of personnel affairs, financial matters, correspondences,

coordination of the affairs of other departments and units of the board as

well as ad hoc activities.

 Film Production and Development Department

The duty of this department or directorate is censoring of films and other

cinematographs through the established means of examining them to meet

the moral values of the people of Kano State. It also screens cinema houses,

soccer/video viewing centres, internet cafes, video/CD/DVD sales outlets

and all other activities that the law permit the board to censor.

 Publications Department

This department is in charge of censoring published and publishable books

and other visuals such as the under listed:

1. academic books

2. posters

3. literary works like novels and novellas

4. magazines

5. billboards

6. paintings

7. emblems

8. advertorials and any other related activity

9. all other forms of objectionable publications

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Board Committees

The board implements its policies and programmes through some standing

committees. The membership of the committees is drawn from the ulama,

civil society, stakeholders and professionals. These committees are:

 Preview Committee

 Books screening committee

 Monitoring committee and

 Mobile courts

Staff Strength

The board proud of its limited but committed number of staff who help in

the implementation of the policies of the board and in realisation of its

accomplishments. Majority of the staff are posted to the KSCB from various

government agencies on secondment. While others are ad hoc staff engaged

for smooth operations of the board.

Sources of Funding

The board’s financial burdens are heavily dependent on the statutory

subvention it receives from the Kano Sate government. In addition to that,

the Board also generates some revenue though its administrative and

operational charges e.g. sale of forms, registration fees for viewing centres,

video cassette/CD/VCD/DVD selling outlets, and other forms of

registrations.

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Chapter Four

Legal Tools of the Kano State Censorship Board

This chapter outlines the laws and regulations that back the creation and

terms of operations of the Kano State Censorship Board. It includes the edict

of the Kano State House of Assembly and the regulations that guide the

activities of the board. The edict and regulations are copied here for the

reference of the stakeholders and the general public.

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I assent this 31st day of January 2001

Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso

Governor

Kano State of Nigeria

STATE CENSORSHIP BOARD LAW 2001

Law No. 4 of 2002

Kano State of Nigeria

A law to establish the Board for the Regulation of Licensing and Censorship of

Cinematography Film and for the safety of the public exhibitions and for purposes

connected therewith.

BE IT ENACTED by the House of Assembly as follows:

PART I – PRELIMINARY

1. This law may be cited as the State Censorship Board

Law 2001 and shall come into operation on 1st day

of February, 2001

Short title and

commencement

2. In this law, unless the context otherwise requires:-

“Board” means the State Censorship Film Board;

“Celluloid” includes substances containing nitrate solutions

or other nitrate products;

“Cinematography” Includes any apparatus for the

projections of enlarged images by means on a screen or

elsewhere:

“Commissioner” means the State Commissioner charged

with responsibility for Information, Internal Affairs Youth

Sports and Culture;

“Exhibition” means any exhibition of picture or other

optical effects produced by means of a cinematography or

other similar apparatus;

“Film” means a Film designed for use with a

cinematography (not being a film of eight millimeter or less

in width) and includes film containing celluloid or other

materials of an inflammable or dangerous nature and

Interpretation

20

includes pornography books and publications and may be

includes prescribed by regulations under this law;

“Governor” means the Governor of the State;

“House of Assembly” means Kano State House of

Assembly;

“Mobile Cinema” means any cinematography or other

similar project apparatus which operated in, on or from a

vehicle or which is carried from place to place for the

purpose of being used for occasional exhibitions;

“Occupier” with reference to premises includes any

Manager or any person who receives the rent of premises;

“State” means Kano State of Nigeria;

Establishment

of the Board

PART 11 ESTABLISHMENT AND FUNCTIONS OF THE

BOARD

3. (1) There shall be establishment a Board to be known as

“State Censorship Board” which shall be charges with the

general management and control of films. Pornography

Books, publication and materials.

(2) The Board shall be a body corporate have perpetual

succession with a common seal and with power to sue and

be sued in its corporate name.

(3) The Board shall have power to acquire and dispose of

any property whether moveable or immoveable.

(4) The Board shall consist of the following members;

a. a part time Chairman to be appointed by the Governor

b. a representative of the Ministry of Information

c. a representative of the Ministry of Women Affairs and

Social Welfare.

d. a representative of Emirate of Council

f. Six other members to be appointed by the Governor and at

least two of which shall be Islamic Scholars of high repute.

g. One representative each of Film Producers and Marketers

Association.

h. the Managing Director of the State Television Authority;

and the Executive Director of the Board.

Composition

the Board

21

Function of

the Board

Powers of the

Board

5. A members of the Board shall hold officer for a term of four

years and may be eligible for re-appointment for a further

term of four years.

6. The members shall be paid such remuneration and other

allowances as may from time to time be determined by the

Governor.

7. (1) Without prejudice to the provision of section 31 of the

interpretation law Cap. 65 (which inter alia, provides for the

removal of an appointee by the person who appoints him) a

members of the Board shall cease to hold office if:-

a. he resigns his appointment by notice in writing signed by him

addressed to the Governor;

b. he is removed from office by notice in writing served on him

for any of the following reasons;

i. if he is absent from three consecutive meeting of the Board

without reasonable case;

ii. if he is convicted for an offence involving or necessarily

implying dishonesty and has undergone sentence of

imprisonment thereof;

iii. if he is incapacitated by reason of physical or mental illness

from performing his functions as member;

iv. If he is found to be guilty of such misbehavior or otherwise

unfit or unable to discharge his function.

8. The Board shall have power to:-

a. screen, censure any film, obscene books and literature before

releasing to the general public for exhibition;

b. register the State Film Industry operators and other related

persons;

c. issue license permit or provisional license or permit;

d. charge and collect fees for applications and for other

incidental services;

to impose guideline, regulation or conditions applicable on

persons or bodies in the business of producing, sale,

distributing of any film, pornography books or publication in

the State.

9. (1) The Board may approve with or without condition any

application, refuse approval for the production, distribution,

sale or exhibition of any film pornographic books or

publication in the State.

(2) The Board may by order ban suspend or prohibit the

productions, distributions, sales or exhibitions of any film,

pornographic books or publications in the State, where in the

opinion of the Board it is offensive to public morality and

decency.

Tenure of

Office of

Members

Remuneration

of Members

Removal of

Member

22

License

exhibition

PART III – CINEMATOGRAPHY LICENSING

10. An exhibition for the purposes of which film is used shall

be:-

a. on premises of in or from a mobile cinema, vehicle or vessel

licensed in accordance with this law; and

b. by means of a cinematography or other similar projection

apparatus licensed in accordance with this law.

11. (1) The Board may grant licenses in respect of premises, a

mobile cinema, a vehicle or a vessel under paragraph (a) of

section 10 to such persons as it thinks fit on such terms and

condition and under such restrictions as, subject to

regulation made hereunder, the Board specify in the license.

(2) The Board may:-

(a) refuse to grant license or

(b) at any time modify or vary the terms condition of or

revoke any license already granted.

(3) A license shall not be granted in respect of any premises

or mobile cinema, vehicle or vessel unless the Board is

satisfied that such premises, mobile cinema, vehicle for

vessel is safe and otherwise suitable for the proposed

exhibition.

12 (1) The Board may grant license in respect of cinematography

or other similar projection apparatus under paragraph (b) of

section 10 to such person as it thinks fit on such terms and

conditions and under restrictions as subject to regulations

made hereunder the Board may specify in the license.

(2) The Board may:-

(a) refuse to grant license; or

at any time modify or vary the terms, condition and

restriction of or revoke any license already granted on such

similar projection apparatus.

13. Every license shall be in force for a period of one year or for

such a shorter period as the Board on the grant of the license

may determine, unless the license is previously revoked.

14. The provision of section 10, 11, and 12 shall not apply to a

mobile cinema which operates under the control of the

Government of the State or a Local Government Council or

of any statutory corporation or Board.

15. (1) Where the Board has granted a license upon the condition

that the exhibition shall be conducted under the super

intendance of an officer of the Government of the State it

shall in such case be lawful for such an officer at any time to

Grant and

Revocation of

license for

premises

Grant and

revocation of

license on

projection

apparatus

Period of

license

23

Supervision

and

enforcement

of fire safety

standards

Cap 46 of

1991

Prohibition of

Films for

exhibition

and

exemption

order such exhibition to cease or give any other direction

which he may think necessary for the purpose of ensuring

safety in the premises or vehicle or vessel in which the

exhibition takes place or safety of the people attending the

exhibition and the enforcement of fire safety standards shall

be as provided by Fire Service Law 1991.

(2) Any person who in any way hinders or obstructs any such

officer to perform his official duty shall be guilty of an

offence and shall be liable to a fine of five thousand naira or

to imprisonment for six months or both.

PART IV – CENSORSHIP OF FILMS

16. (1) Subject to the provision of this law a person shall not

exhibit or cause or allow to be exhibited any film in the State

without the approval for exhibition given by Censorship

Board.

Except that nothing in this section shall apply:-

a. To any exhibition given in premises to which the public

is not admitted.

b. To any film exempted by the Board under this law and

imported produced or issued by or by the direction of

i. The State Government.

ii. The diplomatic representative of any

Commonwealth or foreign country

iii. The United Nation Organization or any organ

of the organization.

iv. Any educational scientific or cultural body or

society including any broadcasting and

television organization.

(2) any person who:-

a. exhibits or causes or allow to be exhibited any film

contrary to the provisions of this section or

b. being the owner of a cinematography or occupier of

premises uses or allows the cinematography or premises to be

used in contravention of this section commits an offence and is

liable on conviction to imprisonment of not less than one year or

a fine of ten thousand naira or both and where the offence is a

continuing one shall be liable to six months imprisonment or a

fine of one thousand naira or both.

17. (1) Where the Commissioner after consultation with the

Governor is satisfied that it is in the public interest so to do and

notwithstanding:-

a. that a film has already been approved for exhibition under any

enactment or law or

b. that an aggrieved party has appealed against such film

Exemption in

case of certain

mobile cinema

24

Cap 37 of

1991

Appointment

of Executive

Director and

his functions

approval he may by such means (including media broadcast) as

he thinks fit give public notice of the cancellation shall have

immediate effect.

(2) If public notice has been given of the cancellation

otherwise than by publication in the Gazette notice of such

cancellation shall forthwith be published in the State Gazette and

the Commissioner shall as soon as possible inform the State

Executive Council of the reasons for his action.

(3) The failure to comply with the requirement of the

Commissioner under this section shall be an offence punishable

on conviction to imprisonment of not less than one year or fine

of not less than ten thousand naira and if the offence is a

continuing one by an admitted penalty of not less than six

months imprisonment or a fine of one thousand naira.

18. (1) Where a Police Officer or any person authorized in that

behalf by the Board in writing has reasonable cause to believe

that an exhibition is or is about to commence he may on

production of his pass or other proper authority enter the

premises for the purposes of ensuring compliance with the

provisions of his law or of any regulations made there under.

(2) The search to be conducted under this section shall

comply with the provision of the Criminal Procedure Code Law

1991

(3) Any person who obstructs or otherwise prevents the

entry of any person authorized under this section to enter into the

premises shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to

a fine of one thousand naira.

PART – STAFF OF THE BOARD

19. (1) The Executive Director shall be appointed by the

Governor and shall be the accounting officer of the Board

(2) The Executive Director shall:-

a. Be responsible for the day to day administration of

the Board.

b. Take charge of all correspondence with the Board

c. Perform such other duties as may from time to time

be assigned to him by the Board and

d. Be responsible to the Chairman in the day to day

performance of his function.

20. (1) The Board may appoint such number of other staff as he

may think necessary from time to time including secondment or

transfer from the State Civil Service.

(2) The Board shall determine the remuneration and tenure

of office of employees.

Power of

Commissioner

of information

to cancel

approval of

exhibition

Power of entry

and searching

in premises for

exhibiting of

films

25

Other staff

Pension and

other benefits

21. (1) Persons employed by the Board shall be entitled to

pensions, gratuities and other retirement benefits in the same

ways as other Civil Servants in the State.

(2) Nothing in this section shall prevent the appointment of a

person to any office in the Board on terms and conditions which

preclude the grant of pension or gratuity in respect of service in

that office.

PART VI – MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

22. The proceeding of the Board are set out in the schedule to

this law.

23. The Board shall set up a fund consisting of such monies as

may in each financial year be appropriated by the State

Government for the purposes of the performance of its function

under this law.

(2) The Board shall utilized the fund for the following

purposes:-

a. remuneration and other allowances of the Chairman and

other members of the Board.

b. employment of staff of the Board

c. payment of pensions, gratuities and other retirement

benefits under or pursuant to this Law or any other enactment.

d. acquisition and upkeep of premises and any other capital

expenditure of the Board.

e. any other payment incidental to the foregoing provisions

or in connection with other function of the Board pursuant to this

Law.

24. (1) At the end of each of financial year the Executive

Director shall prepare estimates of recurrent and capital

expenditure of the Board and when approved by the Board the

Executive Director shall forward such estimates to the Governor

through the Commissioner of Information and Culture for

approval.

(2) The State Auditor General shall provide and recommend

a list of Auditors qualified to be appointed by the Board as

External Auditors to audit the accounts of the Board every year

as provided by Audit Edict of 1991.

25. (1) The Board shall not later than June in each financial

year prepare and submit to the Governor through the

Commissioner of Information and Culture, a report of its

Proceedings

Funds of the

Board

Accounts and

Audit

26

activities of the preceding financial year and a copy of the

audited account of the Board for that year and auditor’s report

thereon.

26. any person who exhibits or causes or allow to be exhibited

any inflammable or otherwise dangerous film contrary to the

provisions of this law shall be guilty of an offence and liable on

conviction to a fine of fifty thousand naira or to imprisonment

for a term of two years or to both and where be offence is a

continuing one the offender shall in addition be liable to a fine of

twenty five thousand naira or imprisonment for a term of one

year or both.

27. The Governor may make regulations:-

a. for prescribing the procedure and fees payable on

application for a license and the terms conditions and restrictions

to be imposed.

b. for controlling and regulating the production of any film

intended for exhibition so as to prevent the performance of

undesirable or dangerous acts or the exhibition of any film not

otherwise approved under this law.

c. for prescribing fire safety conditions to be observed on

premises within the meaning of this law where exhibitions are

given and conditions to be observed for the safety and control of

persons attending any exhibition.

d. for prescribing any particular make or description of film

as inflammable or of a dangerous nature.

e. for prescribing the penalties to be imposed for the breach

of regulations under this Law not exceeding a fine of fifty

thousand naira or imprisonment for two years or both and in

addition where the offence is a continuing one for a fine not

exceeding twenty five thousand naira or imprisonment not

exceeding one year or both

f. prescribing the procedure to be followed for the censorship

generally of any film submitted to the Board and the fees to be

paid.

g. providing the form of approval to be given by the Board

and the conditions and limitations on exhibition which may be

imposed and the method of display or publication of the approval

of the Board.

h. prescribing the powers and duties of the Chairman the

Executive Director and members of the Board.

i. providing exemption from censorship of such classes of

film as the Board may think fit or of any film intended to be

exhibited before any particular group or groups of persons.

j. the retention of film or any part of film of approval in

Cap 11 of 1999

Annual Report

27

Section 22

Standing

orders

Quorum

Validity of

withheld and for the imposition of restrictions on the possession

or disposal of any such film or part.

k. prescribing the method of review of a decision of the Board

by appeal to the Commissioner.

l. for approving posters and advertisements for display in

connection with exhibition.

m. for the suitable association or other forms of relationship

of the Board with any State National or International bodies, and

n. generally for the carrying out of the purpose of this law.

PART VII – TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS AND

SAVINGS

28. (1) All existing applications on cinematography licenses

pending before the Commissioner shall cease and abate with

effect to the coming into operation of this law.

(2) The application in subsection (1) shall comply with

provisions of this law.

(3) Nothing shall affect any proceedings or action pending

in Court and such proceedings action may be contained as if it

has been commented under this law.

(4) The following laws are hereby repealed:-

a. Cinematography (Licensing) Law 1991 and

b. Cinematography (Censorship) Law 1991

SCHEDULE

PROCEEDING OF THE BOARD

1. (1) The Board may make Standing Orders to regulate its

proceedings.

(2) Subject to the Standing Orders made pursuant to

subsection (1) above, the Board may set up a number of Standing

or ad-hoc committees as it think fit to consider and submit report

in respect of any matter which the Board has power to deal with

under this law.

(3) Any committee set up under this section shall be

presided over by a member of the Board and shall be made up of

such number of other person (who need not be member of the

Board) as the Board may determine in each case.

2. (1) At any meeting of the Board, half of members shall form

the quorum.

(2) At any meeting of a committee set up pursuant to

subparagraph (1) of this paragraph, half of the members shall

form the quorum.

(3) The proceedings of the Board or a committee shall not be

28

proceeding

Co-option of

member

invalidated by reason:-

a. of any vacancy in its membership or absence of any

member.

b. of any defect in the appointment of a members or by

reason that person not entitled to do so took part in its

proceedings.

4. Notwithstanding anything contained in the Standing orders

that may be made by the Board it may co-opt members to attend

its meetings and advise on any matter referred to the Board:

Except that the co-opted members shall not count towards a

quorum and shall not be entitled to vote at any meeting of the

committee or Board

AUTHENTICATION BY THE CLERK TO THE HOUSE

This printed impression has been carefully compared by me with

the Bill which has passed the House of Assembly and found by

me to be a true and correctly printed copy of the said Bill.

YAZID M. ZUBAIR

Clerk to the House Assembly

29

STATE CENSORSHIP FILM BOARD LAW 2001

CINEMATOGRAPHY (LICENSING) (CENSORSHIP) REGULATIONS

2001

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

Section PART I-PRELIMINARY

1. Short title and commencement

2. Interpretation

PART II SAFETY

3. Exit

4. Seating

5. Stairs

6. Use of material

7. Staff

8. Fire appliances

9. Smoking

10. Inflammables articles

11. Projection rooms

12. Cinematography

13. Spool boxes

14. Take-up spools

15. Maximum film in projection room

16. Re-winding room

17. Exhibition of Regulations

18. Film to be kept in boxes

19. Film store rooms

20. Transitional provision relating to theatre

PART III-LIGHTENING AND ELECTRICAL

INSTALLATION

21. Application of part iii

22. Control of lighting

23. Electrical installation

24. Projection and rewinding room and store

25. Safety lighting

30

26. Batteries for safety

27. Floating batteries

28. Trickle charged batteries

PART IV-ENCLOSED THEATRE

29. Application of part iv

30. Projection room

31. Seats

32. Fire appliances

33. Re-winding room

PART V-OCCASIONAL THEATRES

34. Seating and exits

35. Projectors

36. Reserved space

37. Film

38. Rewinding

39. Exemptions

PART VI-PORTABLE PROJECTION APPARATUS

40. Application of part vi

41. Fire precautions

42. Spool boxes

43. Electrical circuits for portable projectors

44. Exemptions

PART VI-CINEMATOGRAPHY LICENSING

45. Licenses for theatres form A, Second Schedule

46. Licenses for occasional theatres form B, Second Schedule

47. Licenses for mobile cinemas form C Second Schedule

48. Plan to be submitted

49. Licenses for cinematography apparatus form D Second Schedule

50. Certificates

51. Grant of licenses for theatre and occasional theatres

52. Forms of licenses

53. Conditions of licenses

54. Authorized alterations to be recorded

55. Renewal of licenses

56. Additional fees

31

PART VIII-CINEMA HOUSE, VIDEO/CABLE SATELLITE

VIEWING CENTERS

57. Registration of cinema House etc

58. Renewal of licenses

PART IX- CLEARANCE FOR REGISTRATION OF CINEMA HOUSES

59. Clearance from local government council

60. Clearance from Divisional Police officer

61. Clearance on Electrical & Structural safety standards

62. Clearance on fire safety standards

63. Clearance on sanitary standards

64. Clearance on traditional & Culture

65. Clearance on Building Plans

66. Certificate of registration with an Association or Professional Body

PART X- CONDITIONS FOR ADMISSION INTO CINEMA HOUSES

67. Censoring film

68. Admission of children

69. Admission of females

70. Prohibition of sale or consumption of alcohol etc

71. Weekly exhibition of films

72. Films to exhibit moral standard

PART XI-CINEMA MONITORING TEAM

73. Cinema monitoring committee

74. Functions

75. Composition

PART XII-VIDEO/CABLE SATELLITE VIEWING CENTERS

76. Video centres

77. Cables satellite centres

78. Exhibition of films to comply with moral standards

79. Community viewing centres

80. Mobile cinemas

32

PART XIII-CONDITIONS FOR THE REGISTRATION OF LOCAL

FILM PRODUCTION COMPANIES IN THE STATE

81. Particulars of registration

82. Employment of production consultant

83. Video/film facilities

84. Affiliation

PART XIV-CONDITIONS FOR SHOOTING, SALES AND

EXHIBITION LICENSE FOR FILM PRODUCTION COMPANIES

OUTSIDE THE STATE

85. Provisional licenses

86. Presentation of film script

87. Production crew

88. Foreign companies

89. Due charges

PART XV-THE REGISTRATION OF AUDIO-VIDEO CASSETTE

VENDORS FOR PERMIT

90. Application by audio-visual vendor

91. Particulars of applicants

92. Mobile cassette vendors

93. Labelling cassettes film

94. Sales of phonographic films etc

PART XVI-CENSORSHIP OF BOOKS AND OTHERS LITERARY

WORKS

95. Censorship of books and other literary materials

96. Compliance with the provisions of copy right act

97. Prohibition of obscene/phonographic publications and exhibitions

PART XVII- MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

98. Grant of licenses

99. Licenses for distributors, exhibitors, vendors & publishers

100. Application for censorship certificate

101. Exemption from exhibition

102. Censorship criteria

103. Decision of the Board

104. Revocation of licenses subject condition

105. Withdrawal for further censorship

106. Appeal against decision of the board to the commissioner

33

107. Review committee

108. Remittance of fees

109. Registers

110. Amendment of registers

111. Evidence of registration

112. Offence and penalties

TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

113. Revocation of 1963 Regulations and licenses

34

FIRST SCHEDULE Regulations 23

Electrical wiring

SECOND SCHEDULE

Regulations 50,52

Forms 90,100,101,103,104, &106

STATE CENSORSHIP FILM BOARD LAW 2001

CINEMATOGRAPHY (LICENSING) (CENSORSHIP) REGULATIONS

2001

In exercise of the powers conferred upon me by section 27 of the Kano

State Censorship Film Board Law 2001 and all other powers enabling me

on that behalf, I, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Governor of Kano

State of Nigeria, do hereby make the following Regulations: -

Short title and

Commencement

1.

These Regulations may be cited as the cinematography (Licensing)

(Censorship) Regulations 2001 and shall be deemed to have come

into operation on --------------------day of-----------------2001

Interpretation

2.

In these Regulations unless the context otherwise requires-

“Accumulator” means a voltaic cell which is reversible, and which;

after discharge can be restored to be charged condition by passing a

current through; it in the direction opposite to that of discharge;

“Auditorium” means that part a theatre to which the public is

admitted for the purpose of seeing an exhibition;

“Battery” means two or more accumulators, electrically connected

and employed as a single unit’

“International Standard” means the latest revision of publication so

designated and issued by International Standards or any standard in

lieu of that standards’ “Building” includes any booth, tent or similar

structure,

35

“Chief Inspecting Engineer” means any person for the being

appointed to that office under the State government;

“Cinematography” means all projections apparatus used for an

exhibition,

“Commissioner” means the Commissioner charged with the

responsibility for matters relating to cinematography and Censorship

of these Regulations.

“Electrical Engineer” means any person authorized in writing under

the hand of inspecting engineer to inspect, test and certify electrical

installations as required by these Regulations;

“Enclosed Theatre” means any theatre in which the auditorium is

altogether enclosed and more than half of the auditorium is covered

by a roof;

“Fire Resisting” includes hard non-resinous timber at least one inch

thick or timber completely sheathed in combustible material;

“Floating Battery: means a battery continuous connected to both

discharged circuit and a discharging circuit which is regulated that

the main charging current compensates for booth the electricity

discharged by a battery and the requirement of the discharge system

not furnished by the battery;

“Electrical Regulations” means the latest of the Regulations for the

Electrical Equipment of Building issued by the institution of

Electrical Engineer;

“License” means a license granted under Regulation ------ of these

Regulations;

“Occasional Theatre” means any building which in the opinion of

36

the Board is not designed primarily for use as theatre and which is

not used or intended to be used for more than sixty days in any one

year of which days not more than tree are consecutive;

“Theatre” means any building, vehicle, or vessel used for

exhibitions;

“Trickle Charge” means the application of battery of steady charge

with a very small electrical current; so calculated as to allow the

battery constantly to be maintained in a fully charged conditions;

“Permit” means a permit granted under these Regulations;

“Provisional License” means a license granted under these

Regulations;

“Stage Play” includes every tragedy, comedy, farce, opera, burletta,

interlude, melodrama, pantomime or other entertainment of the stage

play; except that a stage play shall not apply to any theatrical

representation in booth or show by a proper authority in lawful fair,

feast or customary meeting of like kind.

“Board” means Kano State Censorship Film Board by section 3 of

the Kano State’s Censorship Board Law 2000.

“Chairman” means the Chairman of the Board;

“Distributor” means a person for the time being engaged in the

business of leasing, hiring or selling films, video works or

publications;

“Executive Director” means the Executive Director of the Board

appointed under section 19 of the Kano State Censorship Board Law

2000.

“Film” includes any record, however made of a sequence of visual

37

images, which is a record capable of being used as a means of

showing that sequence as a moving picture, hearing sound or music

or publications.

“Member” means a member of the Board and includes the

Chairman;

“Picture” means a picture or other visual image exhibited or capable

of being exhibited from a film or video work;

“Premises” means any house, room, building, garden, shop or place

where any film or video work is exhibited, leased, hired to which

admission is or may be procured by payment of money or by ticket

or by other means or considerations;

“Prescribed Fees” means fees prescribed in these Regulations;

“Producer” in relation to a film, video work or publication means the

person making the arrangements necessary for the production of a

film, video work or publication and for the organization and

direction of the scenes to be depicted in the film, video or work or

publication;

“Registered Film, Video or Publication” means any film, video work

or publication approved for registration pursuant to these

Regulations;

“Video Works” means any series of visual image (with or without

sound): -

(a) Produced electronically by the use of information contained

on any disc or magnetic tape; and

(b) Shown as a moving picture;

“Video Recording” means any disc or magnetic tape containing

38

information by the use of which the whole or a part of a video work

may be produced;

“Supply” means supply in any manner, whether or not for reward

and includes supply by way of sale, letting or hire, exchange or loans

and references to a supply shall be constructed accordingly;

“Premises” includes any vehicle, vessel or stall.

Exits

3.

PART II SAFETY

(1) Every theatre shall be provided with an adequate

number of exits clearly indicated, and so placed and

maintained as readily to afford the audience ample

means of safe egress.

(2) Any theatre exit doors shall

(a) Be so constructed and maintained as open

upward easily on being pressed from within;

(b) Be at least 5 feet wide between frames and have

leaves;

(c) Be provided on every floor at the rate of at least

one exit door to every one hundred persons for

whom accommodation is available on the floor

but in no case shall there be less than two exits

doors on each floor;

(d) Communicate by the shortest possible rout with

a public street or large open space and the width

of any passage connecting any exit door with a

public street or open space shall no be less than

the width of the door.

39

(3) No gangway in a theatre shall lead into another

narrower width in a direction taken towards the nearest

exit, and no exit door shall be narrower than the

gangway from which it gives egress.

(4) The minimum clear width of gangways in a theatre shall

be four feet.

(5) The gangways, the staircases, and the passages leading

to the exists in a theatre shall, during the presence of the

public in the theatre, be kept clear of obstructions.

(6) No person other than a number of the staff on duty or a

person authorized by law to enter the theatre without

paying for admission shall in a theatre be allowed to

stand anywhere in the auditorium or in any of the

gangways intersecting the rows of seats, or in the space

between the front row of seat and the screen while the

theatre is open to the public.

Seating

4.

(1) The seating in a theatre shall be further from an exit

than seventy-five feet.

(2) In a theatre there shall be a clear distance of at least

fifteen inches between the back of one row of seats and

the front of the next row.

(3) Not more than eighteen adjoining seats may be placed

in any one row in a theatre.

(4) Every row of seats in a theatre shall have access to a

gangway at each end.

40

(5) When a projection room is in the auditorium of a theatre

no person shall sit within six feet of any wall of the

projection room where any opening on that wall is less

than five feet from the ground, and where an opening is

more than five feet from the ground no person shall sit

less than 4 feet from that wall.

(6) The seating accommodation in theatre shall be divided

by gangways between the several price-classes of seats.

Stairs

5.

(1) Every stairways in a theatre shall: Be made of

incombustible materials and shall be not less than five

feet wide between strings;

(a) Have a tread of not less than ten inches in width

measured from riser to riser or any rise more

than seven and a half inches in height measured

from the surface of one tread to that of the next

and the width of tread and height of rise shall be

constant throughout any flight;

(b) Be provided with closer risers;

(c) Not have any winders

(d) Have balusters at least three feet six inches high

and space between these shall not exceed six

inches.

(2) In a theatre the number of stairs in any one flight shall

not exceed fifteen and the landing in any stairway shall

be not less in its going than its width and at least three

steps shall separate any two landings.

41

Use of materials

6.

In theatre every floor and every wall and ceiling shall be made of

incombustible materials and every roof shall be made of

incombustible materials provided that members of roof trusses may

consist of fire-resistant materials.

Staff

7.

(1) The licensee of a theatre or a responsible person

nominated by him in writing as manager shall be

present and in charge during the whole time of an

exhibition and shall be assisted by a sufficient staff of

attendants who shall include a chief attendant and not

less than one attendant for each exit.

(2) The licensee or such responsible person shall instruct

the attendants as to their respective duties, with

particular reference to the carrying out of these

Regulations.

(3) The licensee shall, on nominating a manager in

accordance with paragraph (1), immediately inform the

Board in writing of the name and address of such

manager.

(4) Where at any exhibition the majority of the audience are

under fourteen years of age, the number of attendants

required by paragraph (1) shall be such as to enable

them effectively to control the moments of the members

of the audience whilst entering and leaving the theatre

and during the exhibition and to ensure the orderly and

safe clearance of the theatre in case of emergency and

42

shall be in the proportion of not less than one attendant

to every fifty members of the audience.

(5) All the attendants shall remain on duty during the whole

time while the premises are open to the public.

(6) All persons responsible for or employed in or in

connection with the exhibition shall take all due

precaution for the prevention of accidents and shall

abstain from any act whatever which tends to cause fire

and is not reasonably necessary for the purpose of the

exhibition.

(7) The operators and every other person who may be

called upon to handle film within the building for any

purpose shall be fully instructed as to the dangers

arising from the use of film, the precaution to be

observed to prevent risk of ignition and the steps to be

taken in the event of a film smouldering or catching

fire.

(8) At every exhibition there shall be present at least one

member of the staff who holds a certificate dated within

the preceding three years and signed by Chief Executive

Officer of any fire brigade, in the State of Nigeria that

he has been trained in fire fighting by such fire brigade,

and has reached a satisfactory standards of training so,

however, that the Board may exempt from this

requirement the licensee of a theatre other than an

enclosed theatre in respect of such theatre.

43

Fire appliances

8.

(1) The licensee of a theatre shall provide and maintain in

good working order in such theatre fire appliances

suitable to the character of the building and adequate to

deal with an outbreak of fire to the satisfaction of the

Board.

(2) The appliances referred to in paragraph (1) shall, in

addition to any other appliances required by the Board,

include a form type extinguisher, an axe or crowbar and

not less than two buckets of water and two buckets of

sand for every twenty yards of wall space on every

floor, and shall be kept in an easily accessible position

close to the walls of the auditorium and at intervals of

not more than twenty yards.

(3) The licensee shall nominate a responsible person to be

in charge of such appliances and ensure that they are

kept constantly.

(4) The person referred to in paragraph (3) shall ensure that

there shall at all times be within the projection room

sufficient means of dealing with fire readily available

for use, and these shall include:

(a) Two thick woollen blankets which shall be kept

soaked in water;

(b) Two buckets of water;

(c) A bucket of dry sand; and

(d) Two carbon tetrachloride fire extinguishers.

(5) Before the commencement of each exhibition, the

44

operator shall satisfy himself that the fire appliances

within the projection room are ready for use.

Smoking

9.

(1) No person shall, at any time, smoke in the projection

room or in any part of the premises in which film is

stored, wound or repaired.

(2) Notices starting that smoking is prohibited shall be kept

posted in the projection room and storeroom and any

such part of the premises as aforesaid.

Inflammable articles

10.

(1) No person shall take any inflammable article or naked

light into, or keep in, the projection room or any part of

the premises in which film is stored, wound or repaired.

Projection room

11.

(1) The cinematograph shall be placed in a projection room

constructed of concrete, brick or stone with a floor

space of not less than nine feet between floor and

ceiling.

(2) All fittings and fixtures within the projection room shall

be constructed of fire resisting materials.

(3) The entrance to the projection room shall be situated at

the rear therefore and fitted with a self-closing, close

fitting door of fire resisting materials, which shall be

kept closed during the exhibition.

(4) The opening through which necessary pipes and cables

pass into the projection room shall be efficiently sealed

or bushed, as the case may be.

(5) The openings in the front face of the projection room

45

shall be covered with glass and shall not be larger than

is necessary for effective projection and observation.

(6) Each opening referred to in paragraph (5) shall be fitted

with a sheet metal screen not less than one-eight of an

inch thick which can be released from both the inside

and the outside of the projection room so that it

automatically closes with a close-fitting joint and such

screens shall be released simultaneously from the

operating position near any of the projectors.

(7) The openings referred to in paragraph (5) shall not

exceed two for each projecting apparatus; and not more

than two of the openings shall be left unscreened at any

one time notwithstanding that there be two or more

lanterns in the projection room unless a control is

provided by which all the screens can be released

simultaneously from both the inside and the outside of

the projection room.

(8) The door of the projection room and all openings,

bushes and joints shall be so constructed and maintained

as to prevent, so far as possible, the escape of any

smoke into the auditorium or any part of the building to

which the public is admitted.

(9) Every projection room shall be mechanically ventilated

by an extract fan: -

(a) Having a duty of not less than fifteen thousand

cubic feet of air per hour; and

46

(b) Being capable of giving not less than ten air

changes per hour in such projection room.

(10) Every extract fan referred to in paragraph (9) shall

exhaust outside the building.

(11) Every projection room shall contain a notice

prominently displayed warning operators to turn off the

fan in the event of fire.

(12) Every projection room shall have a minimum open

free area of five square feet for every hundred square

feet of floor area or part thereof in such projection

room.

(13) The projection room shall be in the charge of a

competent operator of over eighteen years of age who

shall be present in the projection room during the whole

time that the apparatus is in use so, however, that the

operator may leave the projection room for a short

period in case of need provided that a competent

assistant, over eighteen years of age, is left in charge

and the operator remains within immediate call.

(14) No person other than the operator and his assistant

shall enter or be allowed to have access to the projection

room.

Cinematograph

12.

(1) A cinematograph when in use shall be placed on firm

supports constructed of incombustible material.

(2) Every lantern shall be fitted with a metal shutter which

can readily be inserted by hand between the source of

47

light and the film gate, and every projector shall be

fitted with a metal shutter so arranged as automatically

to cut off the film gate from the source of light when the

projector stops.

(3) The construction of the film gate shall be substantial

and such as to afford ample heat-radiant surface.

(4) The passage for the film in a cinematograph shall be

sufficiently narrow to prevent flames travelling upwards

or downwards from the light opening.

Spool boxes

13.

(1) A cinematograph shall be fitted with two metal spool

boxes of substantial construction to and fro, which the

film shall be made to travel, unless both the film spools

contained in a metal chamber of substantial construction

below the projector.

(2) There shall not be more than two thousand feet either of

two metal spool boxes.

(3) The spool boxes or chamber shall be made to close in

such a manner, and shall be fitted film slots so

constructed, as to prevent the passage of flame to the

interior of the box or chamber, and they shall remain so

closed during the whole time that projection is taking

place.

Take-up spools

14.

Take-up spools shall be mechanically driven and films shall be

wound upon spools so that the wound film shall not at any time

reach or project beyond the edges of the flanges of the spool.

Maximum film in

projection room

15.

The operator shall ensure that not more than two spools or four

48

thousand feet of film, whichever shall be the greater, shall be in the

projection room at the same time and that any film which is not in

use in a projection room shall be kept in a metal box.

Re-winding room

16.

(1) A separate room constructed throughout of fire-resisting

material shall be provided for re-winding and repairing

films.

(2) All fittings and fixtures within the rewinding room shall

be constructed of fire-resisting material, and the

entrance shall be provided with a self-closing, close-

fitting door of fire-resisting material, and if there is any

communicating doorway or other opening between the

projection room and the re-winding room it shall also be

provided with a self-closing, close-fitting door or

shutter of fire-resisting material.

(3) Means of egress from the re-winding room shall be

provided in addition to any egress through the

projection room.

(4) The re-winding room shall be re-wound or repaired or

inspected in any place other than the re-winding room.

(5) Not more than twenty spools or twenty thousand feet of

film, which ever shall be the greater, shall be kept in the

re-winding room at any time.

(6) All film in the re-winding room shall be kept in closed

metals boxes except when being re-wound, inspected or

repaired.

Exhibition of

regulations

17.

The licensee shall ensure that a copy of these Regulation is at all

49

times exhibited in the projection room and that another copy is

during any exhibition exhibited in the auditorium and that such

copies are easily accessible to the operators and attendants.

Film to be kept in boxes

18.

(1) All film, except when required to be exposed for the

purpose of examination, checking, cleaning, packing,

rewinding, repairing or projecting shall be kept in

properly closed metal boxes.

(2) No box shall contain more than one thousand feet of

film.

Film store rooms

19.

(1) All boxes containing film other than film lawfully in the

projection room or the re-winding room shall be kept in

a separate storeroom.

(2) Every store-room where film is kept:

(a) Shall not be situated within twenty feet of any

theatre or of any other store when film is kept;

(b) Shall not communicate with any theatre;

(c) Shall be constructed of fire-resisting materials;

(d) Shall have walls at least nine inches thick;

(e) Shall have a minimum ventilation free area of

two square feet per hundred square feet of floor

area or part thereof provided by means of

protected openings;

(f) Shall be equipped with an efficient system of

forced drought ventilation, in which all motors

shall be entirely enclosed;

(g) Shall not be used for any purpose other than for

50

storing film;

(h) Shall not contain more than one thousand

spools of film;

(i) Shall be kept securely locked when not in use.

(3) Every storeroom shall be provided with not more than

one door, which shall be made of steel.

(4) Except with the approval of the Board, no person shall

bring into a storeroom an electrical or other appliance

likely to produce an exposed spark and no fire or flame

or other agency likely to ignite film and no such

appliance, fire or flame shall be kept in a storeroom.

(5) No person other that the operator and its assistants shall

enter or be allowed to have access to any storeroom.

(6) All waste film shall be collected at frequent intervals

and placed in a strong metal box with a hinged lid;

hence it shall be removed and burnt at regular intervals.

(7) Not less than two buckets of water and one bucket of

sand for every one hundred and twenty square feet or

part thereof floor space shall be kept constantly

provided in the storeroom for the purpose of

extinguishing any fire, which may occur.

(8) The following premises shall not be used for keeping or

storing of film:

(a) Premises situated underneath premises used for

residential purposes;

(b) Premises so situated that a fire occurring therein

51

might interfere with the means of escape from

the cinema or any adjoined building.

Transitional provisions

relating to theatre

20.

A theatre licensed as such at the date of the publication of these

Regulations in the State Gazette shall not, for one year after the date

of commencement of these Regulations be required to comply with

the provisions of Regulations 5 and 6.

Application

of Part III

21.

PART III-LIGHTING AND ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

(1) Subject as hereinafter provided in these Regulations the

provisions of this part shall apply to every theatre,

projection room, rewinding room and film storeroom.

(2) The following provisions of this Regulation shall apply

to the lighting and electrical installation of any theatre

(other than an enclosed theatre) which is licensed at the

date of the publication of these Regulations in the State

Gazette and which complies with the Electrical wiring

Regulations: -

(a) During the period of one year next following

the date of commencement of these Regulations

such theatre shall not be required to comply

with any of the provisions of this part;

(b) During the period of two years next following

the aforementioned period of one year such

theatre shall be required to comply with

Regulations 25, 26, 27 and 28 only of this part;

(c) From and after the expiry of three years from

the date of commencement of these Regulations

52

such theatre shall be required to comply with all

the provisions of this part.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of the paragraph (a)

and (b) of paragraph (2), if any such theatre is

substantially rewired before the expiry of three years

from the date of commencement of these Regulations,

the lighting and electrical installation thereof shall, up

such rewiring, comply with all the provisions of this

part.

Control of lighting

22.

Where the general lighting of the premises can be controlled from

within the projection or rewinding room, there shall also be separate

and independent means of control outside of and away from the

projection or rewinding room.

Electrical installation

23.

(1) Where electrical energy is used for lighting or other

purposes within the building the following provisions in

these sub Regulations shall be observed for electrical

installation.

(2) Installation generally shall be in accordance with the

standard Regulations

(3) The main supply fuses and switches:-

(a) Shall not be accessible to the public;

(b) Shall not be located where there is ample space

and head room and where there is no risk of fire

resulting there from;

(c) Shall not be placed in a projection room,

rewinding room or film store;

53

(4) Each of the main circuits shall be taken from the source

of supply for the projector circuit so that no accident to

this circuit can affect the general lighting;

(5) Each of the main circuits shall be separately protected

by an efficient linked switched and by a fuse on each

phase;

(6) The general wiring of the building shall in accordance

with the first schedule, except as regards any necessary

flexible conductors such as may be required for pendant

lamps or movable fittings.

(7) All fuses and distribution boards shall be of a

completely protected type so constructed that the fuse

holders can be handled for renewal of the fuse wires

without risk of touching live metal.

(8) Portable lamps for the orchestra or similar lighting shall

be connected to a separate circuit or circuits from the

distribution fuse boards.

(9) The electrical installation shall be in the charge of a

competent person, whether the operator, or another,

who shall be conversant with such installation and be on

duty shall at all times when the installation is on.

Projection and

rewinding room and

store

24.

(1) Sub Regulations 2 to 21 in this Regulation shall apply

to projection and rewinding rooms and film store.

(2) All wiring contained in the projection and rewinding

rooms and film store shall be carried out in a mineral

insulated metal winding sheeted fire-resisting system

54

approved by chief inspecting engineer.

(3) All slack cables shall be heavily covered with asbestos.

(4) An efficient double-pole main switch shall be fixed

within the projection room whereby all current may be

cut off from the projector circuit or circuits within the

projection room, and an additional double-pole or triple-

pole switch shall be fixed for each arc lamp so that the

current may be cut off whilst recombining is taking

place.

(5) Where two or more projectors are installed and

changeover switch is required it shall, unless it be a

double-pole switch having a secure “off” position, be in

addition to and not in substitution for the main switch.

(6) All live parts of apparatus within five feet of the

projector shall be shielded so that they cannot be

accidentally touched.

(7) The covers of enclosed switches shall be of metal, and

shall be so constructed that the switch handle does not

work through an open slot.

(8) Within the projection and rewinding room the pressure

of the supply between any two conductors or between

any conductor and the earth shall not at any time exceed

250volts direct or 125volts altering for the projector act

circuit and where the supply or the alternating current is

at a higher pressure shall be reduced by means of a

double wound transformer.

55

(9) The projector motor circuit shall be controlled by a

double pole or triple-pole switch, the motor starter and

its resistance may be within the projection room.

(10) Fuse shall be so constructed and enclosed that

there is no danger from live metals to persons inserting

or withdrawing a fuse-carrier and that hot metal cannot

be scattered in the event of a fuse element melting on

the occurrence of a fault or short circuit.

(11) The lamps for lighting the projection and

rewinding room and film store shall not be connected to

the safety lighting and shall be of the bulkhead type.

(12) All metal work liable to become accidentally

charged, including the projecting apparatus, shall be

efficiently earthed and the size of the earth wires shall

be in accordance with the requirements of the Standard

Regulations.

(13) The arc lamp adjusting handles shall be made of

insulating material and shall be constructed and

arranged that the hand cannot inadvertently touch live

metal.

(14) An ammeter shall be provided in the projector or

lantern arc-circuit within the projection room.

(15) Resistances shall be so constructed and

maintained that no coil or other part shall at any time

become so heated that a piece of dry newspaper placed

in contract with any parts of the resistance would

56

readily ignite.

(16) The framework, support and enclosures of

resistances shall be made entirely of fire-resisting

material.

(17) Resistances shall no be attached to woodwork

and shall, as far as possible, be kept away from any

woodwork and all woodwork shall, where necessary, be

effectively protected against overheating.

(18) The terminals of the resistances and the

connecting cables shall not be placed above the

resistance elements

(19) Resistance placed where they are liable to be

accidentally touched shall be efficiently guarded.

(20) Resistances, in more than two kilowatts are

dissipated, shall be placed in a room or place other than

the projector or rewinding room and accessible only to

the technical staff and if such room or place is within

the theatre the room or place shall not communicate

directly with the auditorium and it shall be well

ventilated by ample inlets and outlets connecting

directly with the outer air and switches suitably placed

shall be provided whereby the pressure may be cut off

from the resistance.

(21) Motor generators of electrical generating plant

and the main switchgear shall be in a room or rooms

constructed of fire-resisting materials which room or

57

rooms may also contain the main resistances and the

supply fuses and switches and shall be well-ventilated

and shall not communicate directly with the auditorium

or any part of the building to which the public is

admitted and shall not be used as a projection room,

rewinding room, or film store.

Safety lighting`

25.

(1) Means of illumination, hereinafter in these Regulations

called the safety lighting, shall be provided in every

theatre: -

(a) In the auditorium;

(b) In all exits leading there from to the outside of

the theatre, including all courts, passages

stairways or ramps and in all other parts of the

promises to which to which for the time being

the public has access; and

(c) For all notices indicating exits from any part of

the premises.

(2) The safety lighting of every part of theatre shall at all

times when members of the public are upon the

premises be maintained in working order and so kept in

use that it is adequate to enable the public to see their

way out of the premises.

(3) In addition to their illumination by the safety lighting,

all notices indicating exits from any part of the theatre

shall, at all times when members of the public are upon

the premises, be illuminated by the general lighting.

58

(4) Electrical conductors forming part of the safety lighting

system shall not be contained in the same conduit or

incorporated in the same cable as electrical conductors

used for any purpose.

(5) The safety lighting system shall not be controllable

from the projection room or rewinding room, or a room

where film is stored or from any place accessible to the

public.

(6) Where safety lighting is installed and maintained

strictly in accordance with the Standard Code of

practice entitled “Maintained lighting for Cinemas” the

requirements of this Regulation shall be deemed to be

fulfilled.

Batteries for safety

26.

Where the safety lighting is derived from a battery of accumulators

the battery shall be fully charged before the public is first admitted

on any day, except in the cases for which Regulations 27 and 28

provide, shall be of such capacity and so maintained as to be capable

of supplying at normal voltage the full load which will be connected

thereto while the public is upon the premises.

Floating batteries

27.

A floating battery of accumulators for the purpose of supplying the

safety lighting may be connected with or without converting or

rectifying apparatus to the same source of supply as the general

lighting if: -

(a) The capacity of the battery is sufficient to

supply at normal voltage the load which will be

connected thereto for not less than three hours;

59

(b) The rate of charging the battery is of regulated

and adjusted that the battery is reserved for that

purpose only;

(c) Any converting or rectifying apparatus for the

charging supply to the battery is reserved for

that purpose only;

(d) Where the charging arrangements permit a

reversal of current, controlling switcher capable

automatically of disconnecting the battery from

the source of supply, is provided and no each

day before the public is admitted to the

premises is tested by a competent person, the

test including disconnection of the source of

supply and observation of the consequent

automatic operation of the controlling

switchgear and if the controlling switchgear

becomes inoperative, paragraph (e) of this

Regulation shall apply as if a failure of the

source of supply had occurred\; and

(e) A suitable visual or audible operating at a place

where an authorized person in normally present

shall be arranged to indicate a failure of the

source from which the battery is charged.

Trickle charged

batteries

28.

The safety lighting may, notwithstanding any provision of these

Regulations, be derived from the same source as the general lighting

of the premises, and be so derived otherwise than by connecting a

60

floating battery of accumulators to that source as provided by

Regulation 27: provided that the provisions of paragraph (a) to (e) of

Regulation 27 shall be satisfied, and provided further that an

automatic quick acting change-over switch or switches shall be

installed capable of connecting the safety lighting to battery or

batteries of accumulators and such change-over switch or switches

shall have been approved by an electrical engineer.

Application of part iv

29.

PART IV - ENCLOSED THEATRES

The provisions of this part shall apply to enclosed theatres only but

nothing herein shall be constructed as an exemption from the

provisions of any other part of these Regulations except to the extent

permitted by these Regulations.

Projection room

30.

In the case of an enclosed theatre, the projection rooms shall be

outside the auditorium: provided that if the Board is of the opinion

that, in the case of an enclosed theatre licensed at the date of

publication of these Regulations in the State Gazette, compliance

with the requirement that the projection room shall be outside the

auditorium is impracticable and in the circumstances unnecessary for

securing safety, this requirement shall not apply.

Seats

31.

All seats shall be securely fastened to the floor

Fire appliances

32.

The licensee of an enclosed theatre in addition to the appliance

required by Regulation 8 not less than two chemical fire

extinguishers for every twenty yards of wall space on every floor and

shall ensure that they are kept in an easily accessible position.

Re-winding room

33.

The re-winding room shall be outside the auditorium and shall not

communicate directly therewith or with any part of the theatre to

61

which the public is admitted.

Seating and exits

34.

PART V - OCCASIONAL THEATRES

No building shall be used as an occasional theatre unless the

auditorium is provided with at least to exit door giving direct access

to a public street of large open space.

Projectors

35.

(1) No cinematograph other than a portable self-contained

projector shall be used in an occasional theatre.

(2) The projector shall be placed on a firm support

constructed of fire-resisting material and shall be kept

clear of the access to any exit.

Reserved space

36.

(1) If the cinematograph in an occasional theatre is erected

in any part of the auditorium or any place to which the

public has access, effectual means shall be taken by the

reaction of the suitable barrier to maintain around the

cinematograph a clear space of at least three feet,

hereinafter referred to as the “reserved space”

(2) No person shall at any time smoke within the reserved

space.

(3) No unauthorized person shall enter or be allowed within

the reserved space.

(4) No person shall take any inflammable article into or

keep any inflammable article in the reserved space.

(5) The licensee shall provide and maintain within the

reserved space at all times when the theatre is open to

the public sufficient means of dealing with fire readily

available for use, and these shall include two thick

62

woollen blankets which shall be kept soaked with water.

(6) A competent operator over eighteen years of age shall

be in charge of the reserved space and shall be in charge

of the reserved space and shall be present in the

reserved space during the whole time that the apparatus

is in use, but this shall not prevent the operator from

leaving the reserved space for a short period provided

that a competent assistant, over eighteen years of age, is

left in charge and the operator remains within

immediate call.

Film

37.

During an exhibition not more than two spools or two thousand feet

of film shall be in the auditorium at any one time and all other spools

and film shall be kept in closed metal boxes outside the auditorium.

Rewinding

38.

No person shall re-wind film in an occasional theatre while it is open

to the public.

Exemptions

39.

The provisions of Regulations 3(2), 5,6,7,(8),8,(2),16,19 and 21 to

28 inclusive shall not apply to occasional theatres unless specifically

imposed and notified as conditions by the Board.

Application of part VI

40.

PART VI - PORTABLE PROJECTION APPARATUS

This part shall apply only where a cinematograph having a portable

self-contained projector is used, but nothing herein shall be

constructed shall be construed as an exemption from the provisions

of any other part of these Regulations except to the extent permitted

by these Regulations.

Fire precautions

41.

(1) The projector and illuminant shall be entirely enclosed

in a casing of fire-resisting material except for such

63

openings as are necessary for effective manipulation

and ventilation.

(2) An electrical wiring or terminals fitting within the

casing shall be so placed that shall be impossible for

films in use in the projector to come in contact

therewith.

(3) Each electric circuit on the projector shall be fitted with

a separate switch controlled fro outside the casing, and

so placed as to be within reach of the operator when

standing at the projector.

(4) No illuminant other than electrical light in hermetically

sealed lamps shall be used within the projector, and the

illuminant shall be separately encased in such a way as

to prevent contact with the film.

(5) The heat of the illuminant, and its position in relation to

the optical system, shall be such that in is impossible for

the rays of light to ignite a stationary film

Spool boxes

42.

(1) The projector shall be fitted with spool boxes of

incombustible material, which shall be made to close in

such a manner, and shall be fitted with film-slots so

constructed. As to prevent the passage of flame to the

interior of the box.

(2) The spool boxes shall not be capable of carrying a roll

of film or more than ten inches in diameter, and shall be

so constructed as to be easily detachable from the

apparatus.

64

(3) (a) All film shall be contained in spool boxes, which

shall be attached to the projector.

(b) The door of spool boxes shall be securely closed at

all times except when loading or unloading film;

(c) After lording a spool box no film shall be exposed

except the portion necessary for threading-up.

Electrical circuits for

portable projectors

43.

(1) All electrical conductors shall be of adequate size for

the current, which they have to carry and shall be

efficiently covered with insulating material and shall be

either placed out of reach of persons in the auditorium

and where they are not liable to damage, or protected

against injury by suitable casings.

(2) Resistances shall be made entirely of fire-resisting

material and shall be so constructed and maintained that

no coil or other part at any time shall become so heated

that a piece of newspaper placed in contact, and shall

not be placed within reach of persons in the audience.

(3) The operator shall satisfy himself before the

commencement of each performance that all cables,

leads, connections, resistances and fuses are in proper

working order. The resistance, if not under constant

observations, shall be inspected by the operator at least

once during each performance and if any fault is

detected the operator shall immediately switch off

current, and the current shall remain switched off until

the fault has been remedied.

65

(4) The projector circuit shall be independently protected

by a double-pole switch and by fuses properly enclosed

and placed near the source of supply or the point of

connection with the general lighting supply: provided

that, where the current does not exceed five amperes

and the connection of the projector circuit to the general

lighting supply is made by means of a connector as

described in paragraph (6) such connector may be used

in substitution for a double-pole switch.

(5) Where the projector circuit is connected to the general

lighting supply, it shall be connected only at point

where the wires of the general lighting supply are of

ample size for the current they may have to carry, and

the connection shall be either by securely mad joints or

connections or by a properly constructed wall type

connector of hand shield type and it shall not be

connected to any lighting fitting by means of an adaptor

to a lamp holder.

Exemptions

44.

Where a portable self-contained projector is used, Regulations 12,13,

and paragraph (1) t0 (5) inclusive of Regulation 24 shall no apply.

Licenses for theatres

form A, Second

Schedule

45.

PART VII-CINEMATOGRAPHY LICENSING

(1) An application for a license or for the renewal of the

licence in respect of theatre other than occasional

theatre shall be as Form A in the Second Schedule.

(2) An application referred to in paragraph (1) shall reach

the Board not less than thirty days prior to the date on

66

which it is desired first to use the premises as a theatre

or on which the current licence expires.

Licences for occasional

theatres form b Second

Schedule

46.

(1) An application for a licence in respect of an occasional

theatre shall be as in Form B in the Second Schedule.

(2) Every application referred to in paragraph (1) shall

reach the Board not less than three days before the

earliest date in respect of which the application is made;

provide that Board in it is discretion consider an

application less than three days before the earliest day.

Licences for mobile

cinemas form c Second

Schedule

47.

(1) An application for a licence or for the renewal of a

licence in respect of a mobile cinema shall be as in

Form C in the Second Schedule.

(2) An application referred to in paragraph (1) shall reach

the Board not less than thirty days prior to the date on

which it is desired first to operate the mobile cinema or

on which the current licence expires.

Plan to be submitted

48.

(1) There shall be submitted in quadruplicate with every

application for licence in respect of a theatre other

occasional theatre, and should be Board so require, with

any application for the renewal of such a licence,

complete drawings of the theatre consisting plans,

elevations and sections of every part of the theatre and

projections room, and one copy of the drawing shall

show in diagram the electric wiring of such theatre and

projection room.

(2) The drawings shall show: -

67

(a) The position of all exists;

(b) The proposed seating arrangements, including

the number of seats, the distance between rows

of seats and the width of gangways;

(c) The proposed position and nature of all fire

extinguishing appliances and equipment;

(3) The drawing shall be drawn in ink or printed to a scale

of not less than one inch to eight feet

(4) Three copies of the drawings shall be drawn or printed

on tracing or printing linen or linen backed paper and

the fourth copy may be drawn on printed on cartridge

paper or other suitable material and shall, after

approval, be returned to the applicant for the licence

who shall keep such copy available in the theatre to

which the licence relates.

(5) The applicant shall submit in triplicate with his

application an inventory of the furniture, furnishings

and equipment of the auditorium of the theatre in

respect of which application is made.

Licences for

cinematograph

apparatus form d

Second Schedule

49.

An application for a licence or for the renewal of a licence in respect

of a cinematography shall be as in Form D in the Second Schedule

and any such application shall reach the Board not less than thirty

days prior to the date on which it is desired first to use the

cinematograph apparatus or on which the licence expires.

Certificates

50.

(1) The Board shall cause copies of every application, drawing, site

plan and inventory to be sent to the Engineer, and to the officer in

68

charge of police, and copy of the drawings containing the wiring

diagram to electrical engineer.

Forms E, F and G

Second Schedule

(2) The Engineer, officer in charge of police and electrical engineer

shall render to the Board Certificates as in Forms, E, F and G

respectively in the Second Schedule.

Grants of licences for

theatre and occasional

theatres

51.

(1) The Board shall not grant an application for a licence in

respect of the theatre other than an occasional theatre

unless he shall have first received favourable

certificates from the Engineer, the officer in charge of

police and the electrical engineer.

(2) Before granting an application for a licence in respect of

an occasional theatre, the Board shall satisfy itself that

the premises comply with provisions of Part V

Forms of licences form

H, Second Schedule.

52.

(1) A licence for the theatre other an occasional theatre

shall be as in Form H in the Second Schedule and shall

be valid for one year from the date of issue or for such

shorter period as the Board may determine and

prescribed fees shall be payable in respect thereof to the

Board.

Form I, Second

Schedule

(2) A licence for an occasional theatre shall be as in I in the Second

Schedule and prescribed fees shall be payable in respect thereof to

the Board.

Form J Second

Schedule

(3) A licence for a mobile cinema shall be as in Form J in the Second

Schedule and shall be valid for one year from the date of issue and

prescribed fees shall be payable in respect thereof to the board.

69

Form K Second

Schedule

(4) A licence for a cinematograph shall be as in Form K in the

Second Schedule and shall be valid for one year from the date of

issue or for such shorter period as the Board may determine and

prescribed fees shall be payable in respect thereof to the Board.

Conditions for licence

53.

(1) The following conditions shall be inserted in every

licence granted under these Regulations in respect of a

theatre other than the occasional theatre

(a) The Number of persons admitted to use the

seating accommodation shall not exceed the

number stated in the licence;

(b) The licence shall display over the main entrance

of the theatre a notice to that effect that the

building has been licensed as a cinematograph

theatre;

(c) All exist and fire-escapes shall, during the

presence of the public in the theatre, be kept

clear of obstructions;

(d) The licensee shall take all reasonable

precautions for the prevention of accidents and

shall comply strictly with these Regulations;

(e) The licensee shall make any structural

alterations or, except, in case of emergency,

later the position of the seating or fire

appliances shown on the drawing approved by

the Board or introduce any furniture,

furnishings or other equipment other than

70

described in the inventory or alter or extend the

approved, electrical installation without the

prior approval of the Board;

(f) No film may be removed from one part of the

premises to another unless it is contained in a

closed metal box;

(g) The licensee shall ensure that all persons

employed in the theatre are conversant with

their duties in the event of an outbreak of that

fire practices are held not les than once in every

month;

(h) The Board may revoke any licence in the event

of failure on the part of the licensee to observe

the conditions of the licence or the provisions of

the law or any Regulations made there under, or

of the building becoming unsafe, or of any

material alteration being made in the theatre or

projection room without the consent of the

Board;

(i) Such additional; conditions relating to fire

precautions as may be required by the Board

under Regulation 8 (1)

(2) The following conditions shall be inserted in every

licence granted under these Regulations in respect of an

occasional theatre: -

(a) The number of person admitted to use the

71

seating accommodation shall not exceed the

number sated in the licence;

(b) The licence shall display over the main entrance

of the theatre a notice to the effect that the

building ahs been licensed as a cinematograph

theatre;

(c) All exits and fire-escapes shall, during the

presence of the public in the theatre, be kept

clear of obstructions;

(d) The licence shall take all reasonable precautions

for the prevention of accidents and shall comply

strictly with these Regulations;

(e) No film may be removed from one part of the

premises to another unless it is contained in a

closed metal box;

(f) The Board may revoke any licence in the event

of failure on the part of the licensee to observe

the conditions of the licence or the provisions of

the Law or any Regulations made there under;

(g) Such additional conditions relating to fire

precautions as may be required by the Board

under Regulation 8(1)

(3) The following conditions shall be inserted in every

licence granted under these Regulations in respect of a

mobile cinema.

(a) No exhibition shall take place in a building

72

(b) The number of persons admitted to use the

seating accommodation shall not exceed the

number slatted in the licence;

(c) The licence shall display at the main entrance of

the mobile cinema a notice to the effect that the

mobile cinema has been licensed;

(d) All exists shall, during the presence of the

public in the theatre, be kept clear of

obstructions;

(e) The licensee shall take all reasonable precaution

for the prevention of accidents and shall comply

strictly with these Regulations;

(f) The Board may revoke any licence in the event

of failure on the part of the licence to observe

the conditions of the licence or the provisions of

the law or any Regulation made there under;

(g) Such fire appliances are specified in the licence

shall be maintained in the mobile cinema.

Authorized alterations

to be record

54.

The Board shall cause all duly authorized alterations to the structure

of a theatre, or to the seating, or fire appliances or electrical

installation, or any addition to the furniture, furnishings or

equipment to be recorded on the drawings, wiring diagram or

inventory, as the case may be.

Renewal of licences

55.

(1) Before granting an application for the renewal of a

licence in respect of a theatre, other than an occasional

theatre, the Board shall request an electrical engineer to

73

inspect the electrical installations and wiring of such

theatre.

(2) The electrical engineer referred to in paragraph (1) shall

examine the electrical installations and wiring and

render to the Board a certificate in accordance with

Form G in the Second Schedule.

(3) The Board shall not grant an application for the renewal

of a licence in respect of theatre other than an

occasional theatre unless he shall have first received a

favourable certificate from the electrical engineer

referred to in paragraph (1)

Additional fees

56.

In addition to the fees prescribed by Regulation 52, every applicant

for a licence or for the renewal of a licence for a theatre shall pay to

the Board a fee to be prescribed for the first inspection and an

additional fee be prescribed for every subsequent inspection, test and

certification.

Registration of cinema

houses etc

57.

PART VIII-CINEMA HOUSE, VIDEO/CABLE SATELLITE

VIEWING CENTRES

(1) No person shall operate a cinema House, video/cable

satellite viewing centre unless he registered and

obtained a licence from the Board.

(2) No person shall sell, distribute or hire an audio-visual

cassette film in the state unless such person has

registered and obtained a licensed from the Board.

(3) All existing proprietors of cinema Houses, vendors or

cassette films, distributors or video clubs hiring cassette

74

films or cable satellite operators or any audio-visual

operators who have been issued with a licence, prior to

the commencement of these Regulations such licences

are all hereby suspended

(4) The person mentioned in sub-Regulation (1) shall renew

their licences with the Board whether such licences has

expired or not on the commencement of operation of the

Regulations in the state.

Renewal of licence

58.

(1) All existing proprietors of cinema Houses, vendors or cassette

films, distributors or video clubs hiring cassette film or cable satellite

operators or any audio-visual operator which have been issued with a

licence, prior to the commencement of these Regulations such

licences are all hereby suspended.

Clearance from local

government council

59.

Part ix-clearance for registration of cinema house/video centres etc

A cinema proprietor or an applicant for cinema licence shall obtain

general clearance from the Local Government Council in charge of

the area where the cinema is to locate and such clearance shall

emanate and be endorsed by the Local Government Security

Committee.

Clearance form

divisional police officer

60.

A specific clearance from the Divisional Police Officer on the

security implications or otherwise of establishing and operating the

cinema house shall also be obtained by the applicants

Clearance on electrical

and structural safety

standards

61.

The electrical and civil engineering departments from Ministry of

Works shall physically inspect cinema house electrical and structural

safety standards before giving clearance.

Clearance on electrical

and structural safety

standards

62.

The State Fire Service Department shall ensure compliance with fire

75

safety standards including prevention as well as provision of escape

facilities before giving clearance.

Clearance on fire safety

standards

63.

The Ministry of Environment shall ensure compliance with its

Regulations before giving clearance on sanitary standards.

Clearance on tradition

and culture

64.

The District Head’s Office as representative of Emirate Council shall

ensure that an applicant complies with the tradition and culture of the

people of the State before giving clearance.

Clearance on building

plans

65.

Kano state Environment and Protection Agency (KASEPPA) shall

ensure aptness of building plans and location of the cinema houses

before giving clearance.

Certificate of

registration with a

professional body or

association

66.

(1) A person who applies for a licence for the business of

distributing or exhibiting a film, video-work or

publication or any other form of licence which the

Board has an authority to issue, such person shall be a

registered member of Motion Picture Association of

Nigeria or any recognize Association by the Board.

(2) The Certificate of registration with such professional

body or Association shall be forwarded to the Boards as

evidence of registration by the applicant.

Censoring film

67.

PART X -CONDITIONS FOR ADMISSION INTO CINEMA

HOUSES

A film shall be censored by the Board before exhibition and a

certificate of suitability shall be issued by the Board to the cinema

proprietors.

Admission of children

68.

The under aged children are prohibited for admission into cinema

houses for exhibition of films except where such children are

76

accompanied by their parents or guardians.

Admission of female

69.

(1) The admission of females, in a cinema auditorium is

prohibited except where the auditorium for film

exhibition is partitioned for males and females

respectively.

(2) A partition in this Regulation means a Hijab or

separation of the auditorium for males and females.

Prohibition of sale or

consumption of alcohol

etc

70.

The sale, advertisement of alcohol or any form of narcotics and their

exhibitions are prohibited in cinema houses.

Weekly exhibition of

films

71.

The exhibition of films in cinema house spar week shall be 40% of

local films in the state

Films to exhibit moral

standard

72.

The exhibition in the state shall comply with the moral standards of

Islam and the professional ethics of film industry generally.

Cinema monitoring

committee

73.

There is hereby established a committee to be known as “cinema

monitoring committee”

Functions

74.

The functions of the committee in section 73 shall be to ensure strict

compliance with regard to the laid down Rules and Regulations

guiding the establishment and operation of cinema houses in the

state as well as to reorient the society in accordance with Islamic

injunctions.

Composition

75.

(1) The composition of the cinema monitoring committee

in the state shall be as follows:

(a) Representative of the Office of the Adviser on

Religious Affairs

(b) Representative of the Ministry of Information

(c) Representative of History and Culture Bureau

77

(d) Representative of Nigeria Police Force

(e) Representative of Ministry of Environment

(f) Representative of Special Services & Council

Affairs Directorate

(g) Representative of Islamic Education & Social

Affairs Board

(h) Representative of Kano State Community Re-

orientation Committee

(2) The committee shall be presided over by a member of the Board

Video centres

prohibited

76.

PART XII - VIDEO/CABLE SATELLITE VIEWING

CENTRES

All video viewing centres in the state operating on commercial basis

are hereby prohibited except where such centres obtain licences from

the Board

Cable satellite centre

and private televisions

77.

The operations of cable satellite centres, private television, radio or

any form of media communication outfit on commercial basis in the

state herby prohibited except where they obtain licences from the

Nigeria Broadcasting commission and the Board.

Exhibition of films to

comply moral standards

78.

The exhibition of films by cable satellite centres, private televisions

or radio or any media communication outfit in the state shall comply

with moral standards of Islam and professional ethics of film

industry as provided by the board

Community viewing

promotion centres

79.

The local Government Councils in the State shall provide

community-viewing centres for the entertainment, education and

public enlightenment of the civic responsibilities of the citizens of

the area.

78

Mobile cinemas

80.

The State Government may where possible supplement the efforts of

Local Government Councils in Regulation 80 by providing mobile

cinemas to the Local Government Areas in the State.

Particulars of

registration

81.

PART XIII - CONDITIONS FOR THE REGISTRATION OF

LOCAL FILM PRODUCTION COMPANIES IN THE

THEATRE

All film production companies in the State shall register with the

Board, upon presentation of:

(a) Certificate of Incorporation

(b) Tax Clearance Certificate;

(c) Letter of introduction from Local government Council

Employment of services

production consultant

82.

(1) All film productions companies shall employ the

services of a film/video production consultant who shall

be qualified from a recognize film institute within

Nigeria and abroad with a working experience of not

less than 4 years in the field of production.

(2) “Employment” in sub-Regulation (1) includes part-time

employment or retainer ship of a consultant’s services.

Video/film facilities

equivalent

83.

All film production companies shall furnish their studios with

video/film facilities in accordance with the broadcasting standards of

its

Affiliation members of

the motion picture

84.

All technical production crews shall be registered members of a

professional Association recognized by Motion Pictures Practitioner

Association of Nigeria

Provisional licence

85.

PART XIV-CONDITION FOR SHOOTING, SALES AND

EXHIBITION LICENCES FOR FILM PRODUCTION

COMPANIES OUTSIDE THE STATE

All film production companies operating outside the state shall apply

79

for provisional licence for shooting, sales and exhibition of film in

the state from the Board

Presentation of film

script

86.

A company shall present 2 copies of its film script for censoring 2

weeks in advance of shooting.

Production crew

87.

All shootings in the state by a company shall comply with not less

than 40% of their background actors and shall involve a local

production crew from the state

Foreign companies

88.

All foreign companies shall get clearance from the state security

services in addition to the above condition

Due charges

89.

All foreign companies shall pay all due charges in convertible

currencies.

Application by audio-

visual vendors

90.

PART XV-THE REGISTRATION OF AUDIO-VIDEO

CASSETTE VENDOR FOR LICENCE

All audio-visual cassette vendors including video clubs and shops

operating in the State on rental basis shall register with the Board to

a licence

Particulars of applicant

91.

All applicants shall present evidence of tax payment and permanent

contact address

Mobile cassette vendors

92.

All mobile cassette vendors shall have a reputable cassette vendor as

guarantor before a licence may be issued by the Board

Labelling cassettes

films

93.

All cassette films shall be censored and labelled by the permission of

Nigeria Copy Right Commission

Sales of pornographic

films, other illicit

materials

94.

The sales and exhibition of pornographic cassettes,

posters/advertisement and films are prohibited.

Censorship of books

and other literary

materials

95.

PART XVI-CENSORSHIP OF BOOKS AND OTHER

LITERARY WORKS

(1) Any person who produces a book, literary or dramatic

80

work in the State and intends to publish such literary

material such person shall apply for censorship licence

from the Board

(2) Every application for censorship licence in sub-

Regulation (1) of this Regulation shall be accompanied

with a copy of such book or literary material to be

published and a prescribed fee by the Board

Compliance with the

provision of Copyright

Act.

96.

The author of such book, literary of dramatic material shall comply

with the provisions of the Copy Right Act 1990.

Prohibition of

obscene/pornographic

publications and

exhibitions

97.

(1) Any person who_

(a) For the purposes of or by way of trade, or for

the purposes of distribution or public exhibition,

makes products, or has in his possession any

one or more blasphemous, pornographic or

obscene writings, drawings paints, paintings,

printed matter, or any other obscene objects, or

any other object tending to corrupt public

morals; or

(b) Carries on or takes part in any business,

whether public or private, concerned with any

such matter or things or deals in any such

matters or things in any manner whatsoever, or

distributes any of them.

(c) Advertises or makes known by any means

whatsoever with a view to assisting the

circulation of, or traffic in any such matters or

81

things, that a person is engaged in any of the

acts referred to in this Regulation, or advertises

or makes known how, or from whom, any such

matters or things can procured either directly or

indirectly; or

(d) Publicly exhibits any indecent stage show or

performance, play or any show or performance

tending to corrupt public morals, is guilty of an

offence and is liable to imprisonment for 3

months or to a fine or to both such

imprisonment and fine.

(2) A court, on convicting any person of an offence against

these Regulations, may order the destruction of any

matter, thing made or possessed or used for the purpose

of such offence

(3) A court may, on the application of a law officer or a

police, order the destruction of any obscene matter or

thing to which these Regulations relate, whether any

person may or not have been convicted under the

provisions of this Regulation in respect of such obscene

matter or thing.

Grant of licences

98.

PART XVII - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

The Board shall not grant or renew any licence under these

Regulations unless the appropriate requirements contained in these

Regulations have been complied with.

Licence for distributors

exhibitors, vendors and

publishers

99.

(1) A person shall not carry on the business of distributing

82

or exhibiting a film, video-work, as a vendor or

publisher or any business within the scope of

jurisdiction of the Board to issue licence in the State.

(2) Any application for licence in respect of any of the

business enumerated in sub-Regulations (1) shall be as

in Form M of the Second Schedule to these

Regulations, on the payment of the prescribed fees.

(3) A licence shall remain valid for one year except that the

Board may grant a provisional licence where it deems it

fit.

(4) An application for registration of film, video-work,

publication and any other work authorised by the Board

shall be in Form N

Application for

censorship certificate

100.

(1) An application for censorship certificate of film, video-

work or publications shall be in Form O of the Second

Schedule to these Regulations

(2) A person shall not be allowed to exhibit a film, video-

work or audio-visual cassette or publications without

censorship Certificate

Exemption from

exhibition

101.

An application for exemption from Censorship and approval for

exhibition of the film, video-work or publication shall be made in

Form P of the Second Schedule to the Regulations

Censorship criteria

102.

(1) The Board in reaching a decision on a film, video-work

or publication shall ensure that:

(a) Such a film, video-work or publication has an

educational or entertainment value, apart from

83

promoting the State culture, unity and interest;

and

(b) That such a film video-work or publication is

not likely:

(1) To undermine National Security; or

(2) To induce or reinforce the corruption of private or

public morality; or

(3) To encourage or glorify the use of violence, or

(4) To expose the people of African heritage to ridicule or

contempt, or

(5) To encourage illegal or criminal acts;

(6) To encourage racial, religious or ethnic discrimination

or conflict; or

(7) By it contents to be blasphemous or obscene.

(2) The Board shall not approve a film, video-work or

(a) Indecent, obscene or likely to be injurious to

morality;

(b) Likely to cite or encourage public disorder or

crime; or

(c) Undesirable in the public interest.

Decision of the Board

103.

(1) The Board may in its absolute discretion approve a film,

video-works or publication unconditionally or the

approval may be subject to such conditions as it deems

fit.

(2) The Board shall not later than 30 days after its decision

notify an applicants of its decision as in Form R of the

84

Second Schedule of these Regulations

Revocation of licence

subject to condition

104.

(1) Where the Board has approved a film, video-work or

publication subject to any condition imposed by it, the

Board may at any time revoke the approval if it is

satisfied that such conditions have not been complied

with.

(2) The Board shall notify the applicant of such revocation

by notice in the prescribed Form S of the Second

Schedule to these Regulations and such notice of

revocation shall be deemed to be disapproval of the

registration or licence.

(3) A revocation under subsection (1) of this Regulation

shall be published in the State Gazette or other National

Newspaper where it is deemed fit.

Withdrawal of licence

or registration for

further censorship

105.

(1) The Board may, at any time, order the withdrawal of a

film, video-work and publication for the purpose of

further Censorship if it satisfied that such withdrawal is

necessary in the public interest.

(2) A person who contravenes the provisions of sub-

Regulations (1) is guilty of an offence and is liable on

conviction to a fine of N10, 000.00 or for a term of two

years imprisonment.

Appeal against the

decision of the Board to

the Commissioner

106.

(1) An applicant aggrieved by a decision of the Board may

appeal by giving notice as in Form T of the Second

Schedule of these Regulations, to the Commissioner.

(2) On receipt of the notice referred to in sub Regulation (1)

85

of this Regulation, the Commissioner shall within 60

days set up a Committee, (in these Regulations referred

to as “The review Committee”) to review the ground

appeal.

Review Committee

107.

(1) The Review Committee shall consist of a Chairman and

4 such other members who are not member of the Board

whose decision is subject to review by the

Commissioner.

(2) The Review Committee’s decision shall be by a

majority vote, with the Chairman having a second or

casting vote in the event of an equality of votes.

(3) No decision of the Review Committee shall have effect

until it is confirmed by the Commissioner.

Remittance of fees

108.

All fees paid to the Board under these Regulations shall be remitted

to the State treasury as consolidated Revenue Fund

Registers

109.

(1) The Board shall keep a register of all licences granted in

respect of theatre, occasional theatre, mobile cinemas,

cinematographs, films video works and publications

that have been licensed or censored.

(2) The register referred to in sub-Regulation (1) shall show

the nature and the duration of the licence, the name and

address of the person to whom it is granted, the

premises to which it relates (if any), and the name and

address of the person nominated as manager.

(3) The registers shall be opened for inspection by members

of the public on the payment of a prescribed fee.

86

(4) The Board shall, on a request by any person and by

payment of prescribed fees, furnish that person with a

copy of the entry in the register relating to the

particulars of film, video work, posters, advertisement,

books or other publications or material, being a certified

true copy by the authority of Executive Director.

Amendment of Register

110.

(1) If any time after the registration of a film or video work

of publication, the Board may upon making any such

inquiries as it thinks desirable, if it is satisfied that the

film, video work or publication either ought not to have

been registered or is incorrectly registered in any

particulars, the Board shall cause the necessary deletion

or amendments to be made in the register.

(2) If the Board thinks it proper in the circumstance, the

Board may issue to the distributor or exhibitor or

publisher of the film or video work or publication a

certificate of registration to replace any such certificate

previously issued in respect of the film or video work or

publication

Evidence of registration

111.

The registration of a film or video work or publication may be

provided by the production of:

(a) The Certificate of Registration issued and

(b) A Copy of the entry in the register relating to

the film or video work, being a copy certified to

be true by the Executive Director to the Board

Offence and Penalties

112.

Any person who contravenes or fails to comply with any of the

87

provisions of these Regulations shall be guilty of an offence and

shall be liable on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment for a period

not exceeding two years or to both such fine and imprisonment.

Revocation of 1963

Regulations and

Licence

113.

TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

(1) The cinematograph (licensing) Regulations 1963 are

hereby revoked.

(2) All cinematography licences issued in pursuance of

1963 (licensing) Regulations are hereby revoked.

FIRST SCHEDULE

Regulations 23

ELECTRICAL WIRING

The general wiring shall be carried out in accordance with one of the

following:

1. Cable insulated with either vulcanised rubber, or polythene in a

polyvinyl chloride sheath, or polyvinyl chloride and enclosed in screwed

metal conduit:

(a) The cores are copper and tinned in accordance with international

standards;

(b) Rubber insulated cables shall have a layer of pure next to the

conductors, an intermediate layer of vulcanised rubber and an outer

jacket of vulcanised rubber and the cable shall have an exterior

braided covering with a smooth with International Standard.

(c) Polythene insulator cables shall have an outer sheath of polyvinyl

chloride and shall be manufactured and tested in accordance with

International Standard

88

(d) Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables shall be manufactured and tested

in accordance with International Standard

(e) The metal conduit enclosing the cables shall be heavy gauge, either

welded or solid drawn, and shall be hot galvanised or sherardised

internally and externally, the joints shall be screwed the conduit shall

be made and tested in accordance with International Standard

(f) All conduit fittings shall be in accordance with International

Standards

(g) All junction boxes, bends and tees shall be of malleable iron,

galvanised internally and externally and shall be of the inspection

type, save that not more than two bends of the non-inspection type

may be used in runs between inspections fittings, and an elbow may

be used for connection to switch-gear or other accessories.

(h) The conduits, conduits fittings and the cables shall be installed in

accordance with International Standards.

(i) The conduits shall be mechanically and electrically continuous

throughout and shall be efficiently earthed in the manner specified in

the International Standards.

(j) The electrical resistance of the conduit in a complete installation, and

of the earth connection, shall no exceed the maximum values

specified in the International Standard.

(k) Where the galvanizing of the conduit or fittings has been damaged by

the use of tools or by screwing or threading, the exposed metal shall

be painted with aluminium paint after paragraph 2 and 3 of this

schedule shall be used.

89

2. Cables insulated with either vulcanised rubber, or polythene or

polyvinyl chloride a described in paragraph 1 of this schedule having

either an outer covering of lead with a steel wire armouring or a hard

metal outer sheath:

(a) The conductors shall be of copper and shall be tinned in accordance

with International Standards.

(b) The cables shall contain all the conductors, including any neutral, of

the circuit.

(c) The cables shall be manufactured and tested in accordance with

International Standard

(d) The metallic sheath and any armouring shall be electrically

continuous throughout and shall be effectively earthed in accordance

with International Standard

(e) The electrical resistance of the metal sheath and of the earth

connection shall not exceed the maximum values specified in the

International Standard

(f) Where lengths of cables are joined together, or connections, are made

to electrical devices, the connection shall be made in a properly

constructed for its reception, any armouring shall be firm firmly

secured by a properly constructed armour clamp gland which shall be

rigidly secured to the joint box or terminal box.

3. A suitable fire-resisting mineral insulated and metal sheathed system:

(a) The system shall be in accordance with the appropriate International

Standard;

90

(b) The system shall be installed and tested in accordance with the

International Standards.

91

SECOND SCHEDULE

FORMS Regulations 50,52,90,100,101,103,104 and 106

Form A

The cinematography (licensing) (censorship) Regulations 2001

APPLICATION FOR THEATRE LICENCE

To the Executive Director,

State Censorship Film Board.

Kano. Particulars of the Theatre

Theatre-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Capacity (No of Seats)-----------------------------------------------------------------

Occupier---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applicant/Status------------------------------------------------------------------------

Local Govt. Area-----------------------------------------------------------------------

No/Type of Fire Extinguishers-------------------------------------------------------

I/we confirm that the theatre complies with the Regulations 59-60 of the State Censorship

Film Board Law 2001 in all material particulars. I/we attach herewith the certificates of

the State Fire Service confirming compliance with safety requirements for the exhibition

of film/video works having regard to the audience capacity indicated herein.

Other attachment to this application are:

a. Clearance from Local Government Council;

b. Clearance from Divisional Police Officer;

c. Clearance on Electrical/Structural Safety Standards;

d. Clearance on Sanitary Standards;

e. Clearance on Tradition and Culture;

f. Clearance on Building Plan; and

g. Certificate of Registration with Professional body or Association;

92

Dated this-----------------------------day of ---------------------20-------------------

* Delete where inapplicable ___________________

Signature of the applicant

FORM B

The cinematography (Licensing) (Censorship) Regulations

APPLICATION FOR AN OCCASIONAL THEATRE LICENCE

To the Executive Director,

State Censorship Film Board,

Kano.

I/we---------------------------of-------------------hereby apply for a licence to use the

premises situated at-------------------------------------------------for the purpose of

cinematography exhibitions on the following proposed accommodation

No of Seats----------------------

Signature------------------------

Address--------------------------

Date-------------------------------

* Delete where inapplicable

93

FORM C

The cinematography (license) (Censorship) Regulations

APPLICATION FOR A MOBILE CINEMA LICENCE

To the Executive Director,

State Censorship Film Board,

Kano.

I/we-----------------------------of----------------------hereby apply for a licence to operate a

mobile cinema for the purpose of cinematography exhibitions.

Signature-------------------

Address----------------------

Date--------------------------

 Delete where inapplicable

FORM D

The cinematography (license) (Censorship) Regulations

APPLICATION FOR CINEMATOGRAPHY APPARATUS

To the Executive Director,

State Censorship Film Board,

Kano.

I/we-----------------------------of----------------------hereby apply for a licence to use a -------

---------------------cinematography apparatus-----------------------

Signature-------------------------

Address---------------------------

Date-------------------------------

 Delete where inapplicable

94

FORM E

The cinematography (license) (Censorship) Regulations

CIVIL ENGINEER’S SAFETY CERTIFICATES

I------------------------------------------civil Engineer hereby certify:

1. That on the --------------------day of-----------------20----, I examined the premises

situated at---------------------in respect of which an application dated the------------------

--day of--------- for a theatre licence has been made by-------------------------an the

drawing and site plan submitted therewith.

2. That the premises comply with Regulations 3,4,5,6,11,16

3. That the premises, enclosed also comply with Regulations 29,30,31,32 and 33.

a. That the premises do not comply with the following Regulations referred to in

paragraph (2) above.

b. That the premises, being enclosed, do not comply with the following Regulations

referred to in paragraph (3) above.

c. That the theatre has been constructed in accordance with the drawing and site plan

submitted.

Date--------------------------- signed --------------------

 Strike out if inapplicable

95

FORM F

The cinematography (license) (Censorship) Regulations

POLICE OFFICER’S SAFETY CERTIFICATE

I, ----------------------------------being the officer in charge of police at---------------------

---, hereby certify:

1. That I have on the -----------------------day of ----20---------examined the premises

situated at ---------------------in respect of which an application dated the-----------------

-----day of --------------------20-------------------for a theatre licence has been made by--

-------------------------and the drawings and site plan submitted therewith

2. That the fire precautions and the fire appliances on the premises are in accordance

with the Cinematography (Licensing) (censorship) Regulations

3. That the following additional precautions (as shown on the plan) have been taken.

4. That the fire precautions and appliances is/are not in my opinion, adequate to deal

with an outbreak of fire.

Signed------------------

Date--------------------

 Delete where inapplicable

96

FORM G

The cinematography (license) (Censorship) Regulations

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER’S SAFETY CERTIFICATE

I,-----------------------------------,hereby certify:

1. That I have examined the premises situated at ------------------in respect of which

an application dated the ----------------------day of ----------------------------20------------

---for a theatre licence has been made by-----------------------and the wiring diagram

submitted therewith

2. That the wiring of the said premises is/are not in accordance with part III-----------

--------------of the Cinematography (Licensing) (Censorship) Regulations

3. That the wiring diagram is accurate/inaccurate in the following respects.

Signed-------------------

Electrical Engineer Date------------

-

*Delete where inapplicable

97

FORM H

The cinematography (license) (Censorship) Regulations

THEATRE LICENCE

Licence No

Licence is hereby granted to--------------------------------------------------of ----------------

---------------to exhibit films on the premises known as--------------------------------------

------and situated at--------------------------------this licence is issued subject to the

observance by the licence of the provisions of the State Censorship Film Board Law,

and of the Regulations made there under and of the conditions set out in this licence.

This licence expires on the ------------------------20----------fee paid

------------------

Executive Director

State Censorship Film Board

Date---------------------

*Delete where inapplicable

Conditions

a. That the number of persons who may be admitted to use the seating

accommodation shall not exceed --------------------------

b. The licensee shall display over the main entrance of the theatre a notice to the

effect that the building has been licensed as a cinematography theatre.

c. That all exist and fire escapes shall, during the presence of the public in the

theatre, be kept clear of obstructions.

98

d. The licensee shall take all reasonable precautions for the prevention of accidents

and shall comply strictly with the Cinematography (Licensing) (Censorship)

Regulations

e. That the licensee shall not make any structural alterations, or except in case of

emergency, alter the position of the seating or fire appliances shown on the drawing

approved by the Board or introduce any furniture, furnishings or other equipment

other than that described in the inventory or alter or extend the approved electrical

installation without the prior approval of the Board.

f. That no film may be removed from one part of the premises to another unless it is

contained in a closed metal box.

g. That the licensee shall ensure that all persons employed in the theatre are

conversant with their duties in the event of an outbreak of fire and that fire practices

are held not less than once in every month.

h. That the Board may revoke this licence in the event failure on the part of the

licensee to observe the conditions hereof or the provisions of the State Censorship

Film Board Law, or of any material alteration being made in the theatre or projection

room without the consent of the Board

i. That the licensee shall observe such additional relating to fire precautions as may

be required by the Board under Regulations 8(1) of the cinematography (Licensing)

(Censorship) Regulations

 Deleted where inapplicable

99

FORM I

The cinematography (license) (Censorship) Regulations

OCCASIONAL THEATRE LICENCE

Licence No

Licence is hereby granted to--------------------------------------of ----------------to exhibit

films on the premises known as -----------------------------and situated at-----------------------

----on the following dates: ----------------------------------------------------- this licence is

issued subject to the observance by the licence of the provision of the State Censorship

Film Board Law, and of the Regulations made there under and of the conditions set out in

this licence.

Date--------------------- ----------------

Executive Director

Kano State Censorship Board

 Delete where inapplicable

Conditions

a. The number of person who may be admitted to use the seating accommodation

shall not exceed-----------------------

b. The licence shall display over the main entrance of the theatre a notice to the

effect that the building has been licensed as a cinematograph theatre;

c. All exist and fire escapes shall, during the presence of the public in the theatre;

100

d. The licence shall take all reasonable precautions for the prevention of accidents

and shall comply strictly with the Cinematograph (licensing) (Censorship)

Regulations

e. No film shall be removed from one part of premises to another unless it is

contained in a closed metal box;

f. The Board may revoke this licence in the event of failure on the part of the licence

to observe the conditions hereof or the provision of the State Censorship Film Board

Law, or any Regulations made there under.

(Insert here such additional conditions relating to fire precautions as may be

required by the Board under Regulation 8(1) of the Cinematograph (licensing)

(Censorship)

* Delete where inapplicable

101

FORM J

The Cinematography (License) (Censorship) Regulations

Licence No

Licence is hereby granted to--------------------------------------of ----------------to use a

mobile cinema. This licence is issued subject to the observance by the licence of the

provision of the State Censorship Film Board Law, and of the Regulations made there

under. This licence expires on the -------------------------------20 fee paid

Date: ------------------------- ------------------

Executive Director

Kano State Censorship Board

* Delete where inapplicable

Conditions

a. No exhibition shall take place in a building;

b. The number of persons who may be admitted to use the seating accommodation

should not exceed----------------------

c. The licensee shall display at the main entrance of the mobile cinema a notice to

the effect that the mobile cinema has been licensed;

d. All exist shall, during the presence of the public in the mobile cinema, be kept of

clear obstruction;

102

e. The licensee shall take all reasonable precautions for the prevention of accidents

and shall comply strictly with the cinematography (Licensing) (Censorship) film

Board Law or any Regulations made there under;

f. The Board may revoke this license in the event of failure on the part of the license

to observe the condition hereof or the provisions of the Stet Censorship Film Board

Law, or any Regulations made there under;

g. The licensee shall maintain the following fire appliances in the mobile cinema’

* Delete where inapplicable

103

FORM K

The Cinematography (Licensing) (Censorship) Regulations

CINEMATOGRAPHY LICENCE

Licence No.

Licence is hereby granted to…………………….of ……………………..to use

a…………………..cinematography No………………………This licence is issued

subject to the observance by the licence of the provision of the State Censorship Film

Board Law and of the regulation made there under.

This Licence expires on the…………………………..20…………Fee Paid

Date………………………..

Executive Director

Kano State Censorship Board

*Delete where inapplicable

Form L

Fire Safety Certificate

I…………………………………………………being the Chief Fire Officer in-

charge of Kano State Government Fire Service hereby certify that:-

104

1. I Have on the………………day of………………..20-----examined the premises

situated at…………………………………………….… in respect of which an

application dated

the………………………………………………………………………day

of…………..20……………for a theatre Licence has been made

by………………………………………………………………………

2. The Fire precaution and Fire Applications on the premises are in accordance with

the Cinematography (Licensing) Censorship Regulation 2001 and Kano State

Government Fire Service Edict 1991 (cap. 46)

3. The precautions and appliances are in my opinion adequate to deal with an

outbreak of fire and that the premises are satisfactory.

Date…………………………….. Signed…………………………

*Delete where applicable

105

FORM M

APPLICATION FOR LICENCE AS A DISTRIBUTOR/ EXHIBITOR AND

PUBLISHER

The Executive Director,

Kano State Censorship Board,

Kano.

We hereby apply for a licence as a Distributor/Exhibitor of films video work or

publication e.t.c

1. Applicant: (a) Name………………………..

(b) Address……………………..

2. Title of film, video works publication etc……………………………

3. Running time…………………………………………………………

4. Classification of film video work/publication e.t.c……………………

5. Censorship Certificate No……………………………………………...

6. Registration No………………………………………………………...

7. Date and place of importation…………………………………………

8. *Import Licence (if applicable) [ ] attached [ ] not attached

9. *Certificate of Copyright Assignment or Licence (if applicable) [ ] attached [ ]

not attached.

106

10. Number of duplicates imported or produced……………………….

Date this…..………………..day of…………….……20………..……

Signature………………Fee payable…………………………………..

*Delete the one not applicable

107

FORM N

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF FILM VIDEO WORKS OR

PUBLICATION

(1) Title of film video work/publication…………………………………...

………………………………………………………………………….

(2) Producer: a. Name……………………………….

b. Address…………………………….

……………………………………...

c. Nationality as the time of making/producing Film,

Video Work/Publications.

(3) Country of Production and Date…………………………………..

(4) Length/Duration……………………………………………………

(5) Gauge……………………………………………………………….

(6) Applicants a. Name…………………………………………

b. Address……………………………………….

………………………………………………..

c. Capacity……………………………………….

(7) If Nigerian Film/Video works/publisher

a. Date of importation…………………………...

108

b. Number of duplicates made………………….

(8) Foreign Film/Video work/publication

a. Date of importation…………………………

b. Number of duplicate imported………………

(9) Details of Censorship approval:

a. Date of decision……………………………

b. Classification……………………………….

c. Parts of State covered………………………

d. Certificate No……………………………….

e. Date Issued………………………………….

……………………………….

*Delete where inapplicable

109

FORM O

APPLICATION FOR CENSORSHIP & APPROVAL FOR EXHIBITION

(To be submitted in triplicates)

1. Title of Film video works or publication etc

2. Producer: a. Name………………………………………………

b. Address……………………………………………

……………………………………………………..

3. Country of Production and date ……………………………………………

4. Length/duration……………………………………………………………..

5. Gauge……………………………………………………………………….

6. Applicant a. Name………………………………………………

b Address……………………………………………

……………………………………………………

c. Capacity………………………………………….

Producer/Distributor/Exhibitor/Publisher/Vendor etc

Other (specify)……………………………………..

7. If made in Nigeria: Date of completion…………………………………….

8. If it is an imported film/video work/publications

110

a. Date of importation………………………………………

b. By whom imported……………………………………….

c. Number of duplicates imported…………………………..

9. a. In what part (s) of the state will the film/video work or publication be

Exhibited?……………………………………………………. …..

b. Distributor in the state…………………………………………….

c. Exhibitor in the state………………………………………………

d. Premises/venue of exhibition………………………………………

10. Attachment (where relevant)

a. Fees/Receipt

b. Custom duties release certificate

c. Synopsis

d. Censorship Certificate from abroad

e. Copyright transfer

f. Custom certificate of clearing for distribution

g. Posters (at least 3)

h. Approved

i. Approved subject to condition (see attached)

j. Rejection (see attached for reasons)

Applicant’s signature………………………………… Date………………………

*Delete where inapplicable

111

FORM P

APPLICATION EXEMPTION FROM CENSORSHIP

(To be submitted in triplicates)

1. Title of film video work/publication e.t.c.

2. Producer a. Name……………………………………………..

b. Address………………………………………….

…………………………………………………..

c. Nationality as at the time of making/producing..

3. Country of Production and date…………………………………………….

4. Length/Duration…………………………………………………………….

5. Gauge………………………………………………………………………..

a. Address…………………………………………….

b. Capacity……………………………………………

c. Make/Distributor/Exhibitor/Publisher etc

Others (specify)………………

6. If Nigerian film/video works/publication etc

a. Date of importation………………………………...

b. By whom…………………………………………...

c. Place of importation………………………………..

d. Number of duplicates imported……………………

7. Basis of request for exemption:

a. Category of film/video work publication…………..

112

b. Producing/Importing body…………………………

c. Purpose……………………………………………..

d. Grounds of request 9attach details)

8. a. In what part of the state will the film/video work/publican be exhibited?

……………………………………………………………………………..

b. Distributor in the state……………………………………………………

c. Exhibitor in the state…………………………………………………….

e. Premises/Venue of exhibition…………………………………………….

9. Attachment (where relevant)

a. Registration fee…………………………………………………………..

b. Synopsis………………………………………………………………….

c. Poster (at least 3)…………………………………………………………

10. Applicant’s signature………………………..date…………………………..

* Delete the one not applicable.

113

FORM Q

NOTIFICATION OF DECISION ON APPLICATION FOR EXEMPTION

FROM CENSORSHIP

STATE CENSORSHIP FILM BOARD

To the Applicant:

…………………………………….

………………………………………

Decision on Application for Exemption from Censorship Film/video, publication

e.t.c………………………………..

Further to application……………………….made on………………………

We hereby convey to you the decision of the Board to:

a. Grant exemption from censorship

b. Request you to supply more information as indicated in the attached

memorandum

c. Refuse exemption, thereby requiring you to present the film, video work

or publication and other literally work for censorship processes. The

reason for this decision is stated in the attached.

Date this……………………………….day of…………………….20……………..

114

……………………………………

Executive Director of the Board

*Delete where inapplicable

115

FORM R

DECISION OF THE STATE CENSORSHIP FILM BOARD

Name of film, video work, publication

1. The above film video work was reviewed on……………………….

2. The film/video work, publication e.t.c is

a. Approved for exhibition anywhere in the state

b. Approved for exhibition anywhere in the state but it may not be exhibited

in……………………………unless approval thereto is given

by……………………………………………………………….

c. Approved for exhibition anywhere in the state subject to the excisions or

alterations recommended to the applicant (see attached for reasons). The

film, video work, publication audiovisual cassette need not to be re-

submitted for censorship.

d. Prohibited for exhibition in the state (see attached for reason)

e. Prohibited for exhibition in its present form but it ma be re-submitted for

censorship after the excision or alterations recommended have been

carried out by the applicant.

3. it is a condition of the approval given herein that the applicant publisher in all

advertisements or announcement in relation thereto that he film, video work or

publication, audio-visual cassette

a. “G” to indicate general exhibition;

b. “C” to indicate intended particularly for young children’

c. “N” to indicate not recommended for children’

d. “18” to indicate for mature audience’

e. “RE” to indicate for restriction exhibitions.

116

4. The Poster is:

i) Approved is

ii) Approved

iii) Approved subject to conditions (see attached for reasons)

iv) Rejected (see attached for reasons)

…………………………………………….

Executive Director of the Board

*Delete where inapplicable

117

FORM S

REVOCATION ALTERATION VARIATION OF DECISION ON

CENSORSHIP OF FILM VIDEO WORKS OR PUBLICATION

To the Applicant,

……………………………………..

……………………………………….

………………………………………

Notice of Revocation, alteration Variation of Decision on Film/video work or

publication……………………………………………..

Whereas the above film video work, or publication was viewed on………………..

And the decision of this Board was that……………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………..

This earlier decision was conveyed to you as per…………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………

The Board since reviewed this decision and has decided to revoke/after or vary it. The

Board’s new decision is that……………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………

118

………………………………………………………………………………………

The reason for the new decision is stated in the attachment. In consequence of this new

decision:

a. That the earlier certificate issued to you is withdrawn.

b. That the earlier certificate No…………………………………..

c. That you are hereby required to surrender to the Board the former

certificate.

d. That you are hereby required to collect a new.

i) Notification of Decision, and

ii) Certificate

Date this ……………………………day of…………………….20………………..

……………………………….

Executive Director of the Board

119

FORM T

NOTICE OF APPEAL

To;

The Hon. Commissioner youth, sports & culture,

Kano.

Whereas I am aggrieved by the decision and reasons of the film Board consisting of the

following:

a. ----------------------------------

b. ----------------------------------

c. -----------------------------------

d. -----------------------------------

e. -------------------------------------

Who met on the --------------------day of----------------20------to consider the following

film, video works or publication------------------------------------------------

I hereby give you notice that I intend to appeal against the said decision.

I have paid into the treasury the fee of ------------------------------------------ (receipt

attached) in respect of the appeal.

The grounds and particulars of appeal are stated in the attachment.

Dated this------------------day of----------------------20--------------------

120

--------------------------

Signature of the applicant

* Delete where inapplicable

Made at Kano this ------------day of---------------------20------------

GOV. RABI’U MUSA KWANKWASO

OF KANO STATE OF NIGERIA

121

Chapter Five

Achievements of the Kano State Censorship Board

Since the creation of the board in 2001 to this year 2008, it has attained

some remarkable achievements in its area of jurisdiction. These

achievements could be broken down into operational, administrative and

social. The achievements are largely due to divine facilitation, support from

the state government, the commitment of its staff and the solidarity that the

board enjoys from the general public as well as the obvious support that the

board enjoys from the stakeholders.

Operational Achievements

 Effective Monitoring Exercise – the board has made giant stride

through its sustained occasional and unscheduled monitoring of illegal

and rampant production and circulation of pornographic films, posters

and books within markets and production centres within Kano State.

This has sharply reduced the number of such obscene materials from

our markets and consequently rate of their consumption by the

members of the public. In the course of delivering its duties, the board

has confiscated and set ablaze over 20,000 pornographic video

cassettes, CDs/VCDs/DVDs and posters through its mobile courts.

 Censoring of Films – censoring is high priority job of the board and

the tempo of this operation remains high with the board. As at the year

2004, the board has censored 219 home videos. However, by the year

2005, the number of films censored has catapulted to about 500 films.

By the year 2007, the number of films censored by the board rose to 1,

252. This clearly indicates that the board does not curb film

production and marketing in the state but merely regulates it.

122

 Censoring Publications - The publications department undertakes

market surveillance of the Kano Market Literature for the hunting of

injurious publications. The publications department has previewed

and certified over 200 books published in the state.

 Upgrade of Facilities – the board has procured modern equipments in

order to enhance its preview activities for better services and results.

The board has also procured cameras, filming and non linear editing

equipments with a view to enhancing the emerging movie industry in

the state and set a pace for quality delivery.

 On the Proliferation of Viewing Centres - since the creation of the

board, it has registered some 350 viewing centres and in the interest of

the public it closed down 72 illegal video/soccer viewing centres

across the state.

 Regulation of Cinema Houses

The board has issued operational guidelines to all cinema houses in

the state in accordance with stipulated rules and guidelines and also

introduced cinema liaison officers to enhance monitoring

 Prosecution of the Defaulters – through the mobile court, the board

has prosecuted number of defaulters. Some practitioners who chose to

contravene the law faced its wrath through fines, close of business

premises and bagging jail terms in order to serve as deterrence to

others.

Administrative Achievements

 Dialogue with Stakeholders – this is one of the veritable

achievements of the board. Censoring is a critical issue all over the

world. Yet, the board has always carried stakeholders along through

123

open discussions and round tables on matter arising from both sides.

This friendly climate has favoured the board and majority of the law

abiding practitioners. The stakeholders include such bodies like Film

Makers Association, Cassette Sellers/Marketers Association, Cinema

Houses Proprietors Association, MOPPAN, poster Sellers

Association, Association of Nigerian Authors, CDs Sellers

Association, Home Video Association etc.

 Film Awards – the board has in 2004 instituted films award where

best practicing artistes were identified and honoured by the State

Governor at the Government House Kano. The second round of the

award night was observed in 2005 when the deserving actors and

actresses were recognised by the government through the board.

 Intergovernmental Cooperation – the board gives a top priority in

collaboration with various governmental organisation for the purpose

of achieving the prime objectives of the board and to achieve the main

goals of the present administration in building a morally sound

society. The board works in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, and

other security agencies; Sharia Commission, Hisbah Board,

Directorate of Societal Reorientation (Adaidaita Sahu), Kano Emirate

Council and Nigerian legion among others.

Social Achievements

 Media Public Sensitisation – the board has made continuous effort to

keep the public informed about its mission, focus and scope of duties

through the media. The chief executive of the KSCB has variously

appeared in the media for that purpose. The media houses visited for

that purposes include FRCN Kaduna, Radio Kano, NTA Kano, CTV

124

67 and others. A number of billboards were erected by the board in

many parts of the metropolis for enhanced public sensitisation.

 Capacity Building – the board has organised seminars and

conferences for stakeholders in order to sensitise them to chart their

activities in the best way to conform with laws of the land and in

conformity with professionalism and dictates of the sharia legal

system that guides the affairs of the state.

 Courtesy Calls – the board’s management has undertaken courtesy

calls to various public agencies, security organisations, traditional

rulers, and educational institutions. The aim of such visits is to

familiarise and inform the institutions about the programmes of the

board and solicit their cooperation and support. The places visited

include the Emir’s palace, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone

1, Kano State Police Command, Director State Security Service,

Bayero University, Kano etc. The management has also visited some

neighbouring states and some foreign countries for exchange of ideas.

 Conflicts Resolution – the board has intervened to settle disputes

between members of the movie industry especially in the matters that

border on the exploitation of actors/actresses by producers and

directors. The board has also successfully reconciled frictions between

its stakeholders and the general public.

125

Chapter Five

Challenges to the Kano State Censorship Board

The challenges to the board remain numerous because of wide scope of

activities that the laws that created the board shouldered it with. For now, the

KSCB has put more weight on the movie and other cinematographic

industries to the detriment of other areas of its schedule. The film industry

comes with more force and speed. It comes like a torrential rainfall that must

be contained in order to nourish life or else it destroys life if let alone.

Sometimes ago the people of Kano were rather saddened by the first ever

known Hausa film pornographic clips. People and the government of Kano

state were angered by that unhealthy development and that prompted the

government to take some measures which includes suspension of all location

activities in the state. These assertions justify why the film industry

continues to take lion share in the activities of the board.

The problems of the board could be categorised into administrative, social,

stakeholders’ attitude and technological.

Administrative Problems

Looking at the geographical spread of Kano city and the state as a whole and

the distribution of the places of cinematographic activities, publications

outlets, distribution points and internet cafes, the present staff strength of the

board is obviously inadequate. Therefore, there is need for the government

to strengthen the board with more staff in order for the board to meet the

growing challenges before it.

126

Social Challenges

A section of the general public and stakeholders still misunderstand the

functions and mission of the board. The board should be seen as a regulatory

agency and therefore partner in progress. Most of the operations the board

undertake do not cause decline of the cinematographic and public industries

in the state, they continue to expand rather than decline and this indicates the

willingness of the board to enhance them. In the main, stakeholders’

misunderstanding remains a cog in the wheel of the progress of the board in

spite of the increased sensitisation and dialogue with the board. Despite the

mass support that the board enjoys from the general public, there are still

insignificant number of non-governmental organisations and few individuals

that operate within the scope of the board’s broad areas of interest. And this

means that the board needs more hands to galvanise its activities.

Stakeholders’ Attitude

Some of the stakeholders pose some problems to the board through failure to

implement some of the suggestions or sanctions meted on their products

through the censoring process. While some stakeholders who produce or

market censurable products still decline to submit their products for the

necessary approval or inputs of the board.

Technological Challenges

At the age of Information and Communications Technology new ways of

spreading censurable items are emerging and spreading regardless of all

forms of spatial borders. The proliferation of internet cafes increases

exchange of pornographic materials among many people in the society.

Likewise, global satellite mobile phones (GSM) are being used in the spread

of some censurable items. This is a great challenge for the board to monitor

127

and curtail. However, the board seeks for legislations and improved

technological means of containing that.

128

Chapter Six

Visions of the Kano State Censorship Board

Kano State Censorship Board is making a giant stride in sanitising the film,

literary and other forms of arts. In view of that, the board is determined to

sustain the achievements it has made so far and overcome the hurdles on its

path. In doing that the Board has outlined some goals to achieve in the

envisioned hope of transforming the art industry in Kano State into one of

the most vibrant, forward looking, enviable and morally sound in Nigeria.

Consequently, the Board’s glaring vision at the moment focus on the under-

listed items which constitute our programmes for repositioning films,

literary and other industries that operate within the jurisdiction of the

Board’s assignment. Our proposed programmes and projects include:

 Establishment of conventional archive for documentation of the

Board’s activities as well as database on stakeholders.

 Establishment of an online archive to give access of our

documentations to stakeholders.

 More vigorous public enlightenment in the mass media

 Capacity building for all the stakeholders through workshops,

symposia, seminars, conferences, retreats and other tailor made

programmes.

 Review of policies/regulations on film production, marketing and

host of other aspects.

 Establishment of support funds for home grown films, books, theatre

and other creative works. The proposed funds are to assist in

standardising and promotion of our home grown creative works.

129

 Creation of Film/Writers Village to allow for appropriate camping

and professional execution of creative works.

 Organisation of Film Expo and Awards Ceremony which could be an

annual event of stakeholders’ get-together where excellent works and

artistes are exposed and celebrated.

 Institutionalisation of annual home grown books fair and awards

ceremony.

 Support and collaboration with creative writers’ cycles in order to

promote sound reading culture and identification of quack and

immoral books in circulation.

 Partnering with private sector in order to garner support for

promotion of creative works in the state. This is to be undertaken in

the spirit of public private partnership (PPP).

 Creation of zonal offices in the three senatorial districts of the state.

130

Endnotes

Most of the papers cited unless specified are drawn from the book Hausa

Home Videos: Technology, Economy and Society. Proceedings of the

First International Conference on Hausa Films organised by the

Centre for Hausa Cultural Studies Kano, Nigeria

131

Appendix

APPLICATION FORM FILM CONSULTANTS

The cinematography (Licensing Registrations 2001

1. BIO DATA

Name

Date of Birth

Place of Birth

L.G.A

State

Marital Status

Home Address

Contact Address

E-mail

Contact Phone no (s)

2. EDUCATION & QUALIFICATION (S)

Schools attended

Dates

Certificate (s) Obtained

Primary

Secondary

University

Others (please

specify)

Please rate your knowledge of the following by ticking in

the appropriate columns

Nil

Fairly well

Very well

Extremely well

Versed

Qur’an

132

Hadith

Figh

Tauheed

133

3. Course/conference/workshop

Date

4. Work experience

Please list your creative work in the film industry with dates, start with most recent

Title

Role

Format

Production company

Year

134

ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

All the information supplied about myself is true should it turn out to be incorrect of false, I will

be held liable for my action.

______________ _______________

Signature Date

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

A. Decision: -----------------------------------

B. Date of Decision: ---------------------

C. ID Card Number: ---------------------------

D. Date of Issuance: -----------------------------

Date: ------------------------------------------------------Signature:--------------------------------------------

135

SCRIPT WRITERS AND POTHER REGISTRATION

FORM

The cinematography (Licensing Registrations 2001

The Executive Secretary,

Kano State Censorship Board

Kano.

2

Passport

1. Name of applicant: ----------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Age: -----------------

3. LGA-------------------------------------State of Origin: -------------------------------

4. Tribe:------------------------------------Nationality:------------------------------------

5. Religion:-----------------------------

6. Registered domicile:--------------------------------

7. Marital Status: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

(if single, state reasons/circumstances (female applicants)

8. Employment Status: --------------------------------------

9. Professional Status:-----------------------

A. Script Writer

B. Cinematographer

C. Editor

D. Production Designer

E. Film Exhibitor

F. Musician and Lyrics

10. Educational Qualification(s): ----------------------------------------------------------

(Credentials Must be attached)

11. Working Experience:----------------------

12. Name three prominent Films you produce:

A. -------------------------

B. ---------------------------------

C. -------------------------------

13. Two Referees one of which Must be a certified production Company

A. Name: -------------------------------------------

Address:----------------------------------

Relationship:--------------------------

Sign: ------------------------------

B. Name: ----------------------------------

Address:-----------------

136

Relationship: ---------------

Sign:-----------------------------

14. Comment on suitability or otherwise of the applicant by appropriate guild if

not suitable why--------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sign: --------------------------------------------------Date:--------------------------------------------

(Applicant)

GUIDELINES FOR REGISTRATION OF

SCRIPTWRITER AND OTHERS

1. A film operative Mustposses “o” Level Certificate or its equivalent

(Additional qualification is an added advantage)

2. A film operative Mustavoid any act capable of polluting public morals

3. A film operative Mustobserve and respect religion, culture and public interest

4. A film operative Mustbe a registered member of appropriate guild

5. A film operative Mustbe a Nigerian as stipulated in the Constitution of the

Federal Republic of Nigeria

6. Female Musician and Lyric tics Must be under the care of her husband, parent

or guardian (not independent as the case may be)

7. These Guidelines are subject to review depending on prevailing circumstance.

137

DIRECTOR’S REGISTRATION FORM

The cinematography (Licensing Registrations 2001

The Executive Secretary,

Kano State Censorship Board

Kano.

2

Passport

1. Name of applicant:-----------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Age:-----------------

3. LGA-------------------------------------State of Origin:-------------------------------

4. Tribe:------------------------------------Nationality:-----------------------------

5. Religion:-----------------------------

6. Registered domicile:--------------------------------

7. Marital Status:----------------------------------------------------------------------------(if

single, state reasons/circumstances (female applicants)

15. Employment Status:--------------------------------------

16. Professional Status:-----------------------

A. Director “A”

B. Asst. Director “B”

17. Educational Qualification(s):-----------------------------------------------------------

(Credentials Must be attached)

18. Working Experience:----------------------

19. Name five prominent Films you produce:

A. -------------------------

B. ---------------------------------

C. -------------------------------

D. ---------------------------------

E. -------------------------------------------

20. Two Referees one of which Must be a certified production Company

A. Name:-------------------------------------------

Address:----------------------------------

Relationship:--------------------------

Sign: ------------------------------

B. Name: ----------------------------------

Address:-----------------

Relationship: ---------------

Sign:-----------------------------

138

21. Comment on suitability or otherwise of the applicant (Guild of Directors) if

not suitable why--------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------

Sign:-------------------------------------Date:-----------------------------------------

(Applicant)

GUIDELINES FOR REGISTRATION OF DIRECTORS

1. Director Must posses a Diploma or Certificate in the field or production from a

recognize Institution.

2. Director Must ensure friendly atmosphere and should avoid roles that will tarnish

image of his artistes.

3. Director Must observe and respect religion, culture and public interest

4. Director Must be a registered member of guild of Directors.

5. Director Must be guided by the approved script throughout his production.

6. Director Must avoid any role that will corrupt public morals e.g. Dressing, hair

style etc.

7. These Guidelines are subject to review depending on prevailing circumstances.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

E. Decision:-----------------------------------

F. Date of Decision:---------------------

G. ID Card Number:---------------------------

H. Date of Issuance:-----------------------------

Date:-------------------------------------------------Signature:----------------------------------------

139

PRODUCER’S REGISTRATION FORM

The cinematography (Licensing Registrations 2001

The Executive Secretary,

Kano State Censorship Board

Kano.

2

Passport

1. Name of applicant:-----------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Age:-----------------

3. LGA-------------------------------------State of Origin:-------------------------------

4. Tribe:------------------------------------Nationality:-----------------------------

5. Religion:-----------------------------

6. Registered domicile:--------------------------------

7. Marital Status:----------------------------------------------------------------------------(if

single, state reasons/circumstances (female applicants)

8. Employment Status:--------------------------------------

9. Professional Status:-----------------------

A. Producer “A”

B. Asst. Producer “B”

C. Associate Producer “C”

10. Educational Qualification(s): ---------------------------------------------------------------

-(Credentials Must be attached)

11. Working Experience in production:----------------------

12. Name three prominent Films you produced:

D. -------------------------

E. ---------------------------------

F. -------------------------------

13. Two Referees one of which Must be a certified production Company

G. Name:-------------------------------------------

Address:----------------------------------

Relationship:--------------------------

Sign: ------------------------------

H. Name: ----------------------------------

Address:-----------------

Relationship: ---------------

Sign:-----------------------------

140

14. Comment on suitability or otherwise of the applicant (Guild of Directors) if not

suitable why--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------

Sign:-----------------------------------------Date:---------------------------------------------------

(Applicant)

GUIDELINES FOR REGISTRATION OF PRODUCERS

1. Producer Must posses a Diploma or Certificate in the field or production from

a recognize Institution.

2. Producer Must ensure that his script is endorsed by recognized consultant and

approved by the Board.

3. Producer Must ensure Professional Equipment are used (Broadcasting

Standard)

4. Director Must observe and respect religion, culture and public interest

5. Notice for location activities Must be submitted to the Board 48 hrs before the

(outing).

6. Singing and Dancing has been cancelled in Hausa Film

7. Producer must be a registered member of guild of Directors\

8. Producer Must discourage free mingling of opposite sexes for the whole night

during production.

9. These Guidelines are subject to review depending on prevailing

circumstances.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

I. Decision:-----------------------------------

J. Date of Decision:---------------------

K. ID Card Number:---------------------------

L. Date of Issuance:-----------------------------

Date:-------------------------------------Signature:------------------------------------------------

141

ARTISTES REGISTRATION FORM

The cinematography (Licensing Registrations 2001

The Executive Secretary,

Kano State Censorship Board

Kano.

2

Passport

1. Name of applicant:----------------------------------------------------------

-----------

2. Age:-----------------

3. LGA-------------------------------------State of Origin:-------------------

------------

4. Tribe:------------------------------------Nationality:-----------------------

------

5. Religion:-----------------------------

6. Registered domicile:--------------------------------

7. Marital Status:---------------------------------------------------------------

-------------(if single, state reasons/circumstances (female

applicants)

8. Employment Status:--------------------------------------

9. Professional Status:-----------------------

a. Category “A”

b. Category “B”

c. Category “C”

10. Educational Qualification(s): ----------------------------------------------------

11. Working Experience:----------------------

12. Two Referees one of which Must be a certified production Company

a. Name:-------------------------------------------

Address:----------------------------------

Relationship:--------------------------

Sign: ------------------------------

b. Name: ----------------------------------

Address:-----------------

Relationship: ---------------

Sign:-----------------------------

142

13. Comment on suitability or otherwise of the applicant (Guild of Artistes) if not

suitable why-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------

Sign:---------------------------Date:---------------------------------

(Applicant)

GUIDELINES FOR REGISTRATION OF ARTISTES

1. An artist must be mentally and sound moral behaviour

2. must not be below 18 yras old

3. mus be registered member of Kano State Guild of artistes

4. Must possses a minimum qualification of secondary school leaving certificate

or its equavalent

5. must

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

A . Decision:-----------------------------------

B . Date of Decision:---------------------

C . ID Card Number:---------------------------

D . Date of Issuance:-----------------------------

Date:------------------------Signature:------------------------

143

UNDERTAKING BY FILM OPERATORS TO BE OF GOOD MORAL

CONDUCT AND TO ABIDE STRICTLY TO THE CENSORSHIP BOAR’S LAW

AND GUIDELINES

1----------------------------------------------------of -----------pledge to be of good moral

conduct and promise to abide by the provisions of the Censorship Board Law 2001. That

I equally undertake to be loyal and have respect to lawful orders that might be issued to

be loyal and have respect to lawful orders that might be issued by constitute authority. I

also pledge to conduct myself in an orderly and exemplary manner within and outside the

film industry. That I further undertake to interact and live in peace and harmony with my

colleagues in the film industry. That I promise not to undertake role that will be

detrimental to my religion, Culture, State, people or profession.

I also pledge to abide by whatever guideline or guidelines that might be

imposed by the Kano State Censorship Board from time to time.

That I also agree to subject myself to any punitive sanction/measures that

might be implored by the Board in the event of my going contrary to any of

the guidelines that might b imposed by the Board.

That I also stand the chance of losing my license whenever go contrary to

any

a. Of the provisions of the Kano State Censorship Board

b. Guideline or Guidelines that might be imposed from time to time

by the Board

___________________

Signature of Declarant

Mission and Vision of the Kano State Censorship Board

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