Veteran Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has broken her silence on recent criticisms from filmmakers Lancelot Imasuen and James Abinibi, who questioned the commitment of Nollywood veterans and the sustainability of releasing films in cinemas.
Taking to Instagram on Friday, the Blood Sisters star addressed both filmmakers’ remarks, sharing screenshots of Abinibi’s statement discouraging cinema releases and Lancelot’s interview where he accused top actors, including Omotola, Genevieve Nnaji, and Emeka Ike, of distancing themselves from the industry.
“Hmm ….. Hello O. Is it time for us to visit this? Filmmakers? Actors? ‘Veterans’? Cinema chains? Distributors? Government? Or should we come back another time…”
Omotola wrote in her opening remarks.
Celebrating Milestones, Setting Records Straight
Congratulations to Lancelot on his 30-year milestone in the industry, Omotola also noted that she’s currently marking her 30th anniversary in entertainment, which started in 2023 and will run till 2026.
“Let me start by congratulating the legend! The great king of Issakaba, the Guv @lancelotimasuen on his 30th Anniversary!!!”
“Even though I have been mostly publicly silent on many issues plaguing my amazing industry… I’ll probably now start unearthing these for an attempt for a healthier industry.”
Breaking Down the Harsh Cinema Economics
In a detailed breakdown, Omotola explained the financial hurdles Nollywood producers face when releasing their films in cinemas.
Drawing from her recent experience directing her debut film, she outlined the deductions imposed at various stages of the distribution chain:
-
Cinema exhibitors: 50%
-
Value Added Tax (Nigeria): 7.5%
-
Entertainment Tax (Nigeria): 5%
-
Withholding Tax (Nigeria): 10%
-
WHT Tax (Ghana): 15%
-
WHT Tax (Liberia): 15%
-
Distributor fee: 15%
-
VAT on distributor fee: 7.5%
-
PnA (Publicity & Advertisement): 20% of the movie’s budget
“Now tell me… after a movie producer invests so much money, usually (N150m as possible minimum) and has all those deductions… what they possibly could have left? Or if they can EVER recoup their investment?” she asked.
An Industry-Wide Wake-Up Call?
Omotola’s post followed James Abinibi’s earlier advice to filmmakers, urging them not to waste movies on cinema runs due to poor returns. It also followed Lancelot Imasuen’s public appeal for industry veterans to return and rebuild Nollywood.
“Are we ready to have this discussion? Or do we go back to the #shhhh culture… Lol,” Omotola concluded.
Her statement has sparked renewed debate about Nollywood’s business model, the role of veterans, and the urgent need for distribution and policy support reforms.
