Popular Nollywood actor and film producer Femi Branch has ignited a fiery debate about the practices of Nigerian cinemas in their film promotion and exhibition.
He has illuminated a disconcerting trend where certain films are perpetually placed on a pedestal, a situation he believes disrupts the harmonious equilibrium vital for the flourishing and vitality of the cinematic realm. Femi Branch asserts that this biased favoritism carries grave consequences, especially for films lacking the same spotlight or promotional momentum.
He has charged cinemas with the manipulation of media cards for various films showcased at their venues, thereby sabotaging their visibility. This unsettling maneuver deliberately steers moviegoers away from a richer selection of films, confining their cinematic choices.
Moreover, Femi has raised alarms regarding the skewed distribution of screen time, claiming that some films are bestowed with generous viewing slots while others languish in the shadows, stifling healthy competition. In his view, this practice hampers the audience’s viewing possibilities and endangers the overall richness and vibrancy of the Nigerian film tapestry.
Femi Branch shared these insights in a widely circulated video on social media. He passionately called for a fairer strategy in film promotion and screenings to nurture a robust Nollywood ecosystem.
He implored his fellow filmmakers to express their thoughts and concerns, rather than cower in silence for fear of being shunned or marked. Femi Branch emphasized that upholding a culture of quietude could spell disaster, potentially crippling the entire filmmaking landscape in Nigeria.He underscored the necessity for open conversation and collaboration to eradicate the escalating challenges plaguing the industry.
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