Film  

Censors board DG advocates quality filmmaking tradition in Nollywood

By Guardian Nigeria

25 December 2024   |   2:17 am

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The Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board, Dr Shaibu Husseini, has stated that only films that are engaging and well helmed can draw people to the theatres to see movies particularly Nollywood movies.

The Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board, Dr Shaibu Husseini, has stated that only films that are engaging and well helmed can draw people to the theatres to see movies particularly Nollywood movies.

The Censors Board ED spoke after he took time to watch two of the five Nollywood films showing in cinemas across the country. The ED who said he was impressed with the turnout of moviegoers at the cinema, commended the producers behind the five films, Everybody Loves Jenifa by Funke Akindele, Thin Line by Mercy Aigbe, The Waiter by Ayo Makun, Alakada; Bad and Bojue by Toyin Aimakhu and A Ghetto Love Story by Bright Okpocha for offering quality narratives that have pulled people to the cinemas.

“The crowd here at the cinema in Ikeja, Lagos is massive, and Christmas is still days away. This is an indication that people will come out of their homes to see and pay for quality content. I have been hovering around the ticketing area to see if the surge is for Nollywood movies, and the demand is mostly for the three Nollywood films that are showing side by side. This shows that our cinema is alive and we are gradually building a culture of people returning to the cinemas. It is also an indication that we will need more screens, and thankfully, we are working with the Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa to attract investment in the area of building more cinema infrastructure. More screens will translate to more Box Office earning for the filmmakers and more access to their films as well. ”

Husseini acknowledged Nollywood’s tremendous growth, citing a significant increase in production quality, audience engagement, and global recognition. “This year alone saw a 120 per cent surge in revenue at the box office and an increase in ticket purchases. The surge level may get up to 150 per cent because just in 12 days of opening in cinemas in the about 41 cinema locations that we have presently across the country, Everybody Loves Jenifa by Funke Akindele has recorded more than half a billion naira in ticket sales. That’s impressive. This is just a film as we expect the other four films to surpass the record set by Funke Akindele’s A Tribe Called Judah last year,” the film critic and cultural expert further averred.

The executive director emphasised the need for Nollywood filmmakers to focus on Quality storytelling stressing the importance of authentic, engaging stories reflective of diverse experiences and Professionalism, which entails adhering to industry standards, best practices and ethical guidelines.

He also identified embracing new technologies, techniques, and ideas as well as knowledge sharing and collaboration as conditions necessary for achieving excellence in filmmaking.

He assured that as industry regulators, the NFVCB is committed to providing support to filmmakers in the areas of capacity building and access to funds. He spoke of plans to host the maiden edition of the NFVCB producers, exhibitors and distributors lab in 2025 and plans to facilitate international collaborations and partnerships.

“Part of our support for these films showing is that we will purchase 500 tickets, 100 per film for moviegoers that would love to see the films in locations other than Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Kano. We want to encourage moviegoers in other towns and cities to go and watch these films,” he added.