Niyi Akinmolayan is the latest producer to accuse Nigerian cinemas of sabotaging December film releases through unfair screening practices.
In an Instagram post on Friday, the movie producer
threatened to expose the cinemas allegedly sabotaging the theatrical run of his
latest film ‘Colours of Fire’ if the situation is not rectified.
Akinmolayan alleged a pattern of deception by certain
cinemas. He claimed they advertise ‘Colours of Fire’ on their websites and
collect money from ticket-buying audiences, only to then refuse to screen the
film.
“If by end of day, you don’t fix up, I am going to name all
the cinemas that have Colours Of Fire on their website, collected money from
people and are refusing to show them the film,” he wrote.
He said he has already identified three cinemas engaged in
the practice, issuing a direct ultimatum: “I already have three, and you know
yourselves!! If you don’t fix up today, I will post your cinemas and the names
of your managers!!!”
Similarly, in an Instagram
Live session, Toyin Abraham lamented that her latest film ‘Oversabi
Aunty’ was being sidelined in some cinemas.
“I am not making money. They sell another ticket to people
and take them to my movie hall,” she said.
“I have a lot of evidence. Some people cannot come out
because they are afraid of bullies.”
Also, filmmaker Ini Edo shared clips on her Instagram page of movie lovers
complaining about what they described as cinema misconduct.
On X, she called the experience “exhausting,” especially
for a first-time producer.
“As a first-timer, I learned on the go with humility and
commitment, yet faced intentional frustration despite the sacrifice and
investment poured into this project,” she wrote.
The incident is the latest in a series of grievances voiced
by Nollywood professionals against cinema operators.
Last year, actress Mercy Aigbe claimed some
cinemas actively discouraged viewers from watching her film ‘Thin Line’.
Fellow actor Femi Branch also alleged that cinema
staff sometimes wear merchandise to promote specific movies, compromising
neutrality.
Adding to the chorus, former BBNaija star Pere recounted losing over N150 million due to what he described as “unfair practices” and alleged favouritism within cinema halls.
However, the cinema industry has previously pushed back
against such claims.
Patrick Lee, the former chairman of the Cinema Exhibitors
Association of Nigeria (CEAN), refuted allegations of bias, arguing that it is
not in cinemas’ commercial interest to sabotage films.
He explained that cinemas logically prioritise high-selling
films with optimal screening times and facilities to maximise revenue.
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