Nollywood actor Femi Branch criticizes Nigerian cinemas for favoritism, alleging unfair film promotions, screen time allocation, and manipulation of media cards. He calls for equitable practices to support filmmakers, urging colleagues to speak out against harmful trends and emphasizing the need for fairness to sustain Nollywood's growth and diversity.
Popular Nollywood actor and filmmaker Femi Branch has voiced concerns about alleged partiality in the operations of Nigerian cinemas. He claims that certain films receive preferential treatment, sidelining others, which could harm the industry’s growth and diversity.
In a recent video shared on social media, Branch accused cinema operators of removing promotional materials for some films in favor of others. He also alleged that staff actively persuaded patrons to watch specific movies, creating an uneven playing field for filmmakers.
Branch further criticized the unequal allocation of screen time, noting that some films are granted extensive showings while others barely make it to the schedule. According to him, this practice undermines fair competition and limits audience choices, affecting the livelihoods of producers.
He appealed to cinemas to honor their contractual agreements and provide all films with equal opportunities. "If you accept a film, give it its promised time slot, even if only two people show up," he emphasized, adding that fairness would ensure producers see returns on their investments.
Branch urged his colleagues to speak out against these practices, warning that silence could lead to further damage to Nollywood. He called for collaboration among industry stakeholders to address these issues and create a transparent and supportive environment for filmmakers.
