Nollywood Stars Demand Fair Play as Cinema Screening Issues Escalate
Top Nollywood figures, including Toyin Abraham, Ini Edo and Niyi Akinmolayan, have publicly criticised Nollywood cinema screening practices this festive season, claiming that some cinema operators are unfairly undermining their films. The stars argue that movies like Oversabi Aunty, Colours of Fire and A Very Dirty Christmas have been relegated to inconvenient showtimes or mishandled despite strong audience interest. These complaints first surfaced on social media, where the filmmakers shared their frustrations and urged greater transparency in how screening schedules are determined. Their growing concerns reflect broader frustrations within the industry during one of the busiest periods for Nigerian cinema.
Toyin Abraham has taken to live video sessions online to allege that certain cinemas are deliberately assigning her film unfavourable slots, such as early morning or late-night showings that attract fewer viewers. She also claimed that patrons are sometimes told her movie is sold out when it actually isn’t, pressuring them to watch other films instead. The actress described these actions as commercially damaging, noting that the tactics hurt ticket sales and audience access. Her strong statements have sparked widespread discussion among fans and industry observers alike.
Producer and director Niyi Akinmolayan has echoed similar allegations, saying some cinemas advertise Colours of Fire and sell tickets only to refuse screening the film when audiences arrive. He has warned that he might publicly name the venues involved if the situation does not change. This accusation highlights concerns about deceptive practices that potentially mislead moviegoers and disadvantage certain productions. Akinmolayan’s outcry underscores the tension between filmmakers and some cinema operators over scheduling fairness.
Ini Edo, making her debut as a producer with A Very Dirty Christmas, described her experience with cinema screenings as “exhausting,” especially given her investment and commitment to the project. She shared that fans have reported difficulties in accessing scheduled showings, and that some cast members faced poor treatment during promotional appearances at cinema locations. Actor IK Ogbonna also condemned what he called biased practices, urging for equal opportunities for all films to succeed. The collective criticism from these Nollywood stars has reignited calls for reforms and accountability in Nollywood cinema screening practices, as stakeholders push for a more transparent and level playing field in Nigeria’s vibrant film industry.
