An influential group of film industry professionals in Nigeria, FILMIC, has condemned comments that suggest that streaming giants like NETFLIX are exiting Nigeria due to unwholesome practices by a few commissioned producers.
FILMIC parades one of the most star-studded and engaging creative industry groups in Nigeria with regular activities both online and physical gatherings.
In a statement signed on its behalf on Tuesday by industry big names like Charles Novia, Rogers Ofime, Segun Arinze, Efe Omorogbe, Evelyn Otaigbe and Emem Ema, the group described tge allegations as unfounded and misleading, saying there was no evidence to substantiate the allegation and it should therefore be condemned in the overall interest of the film industry.
The statement reads in full:
“A recent statement attributed to certain practitioners in Nollywood has sparked widespread concern within the Nigerian creative industry. The statement, which posits that Netflix is exiting Nigeria due to rampant production budget misappropriation by Nollywood producers, is not only unsubstantiated but also potentially damaging to the reputation of the industry as a whole.
As a collective of practitioners and industry stakeholders, FILMIC feels compelled to issue a rebuttal to this statement. A thorough examination of the available evidence reveals no credible support for these claims.
Despite rumors and speculation, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that Netflix has experienced significant issues with production budget mismanagement in Nigeria.
Furthermore, FILMIC is unaware of any formal complaints or sanctions levied against Netflix- commissioned production companies in Nigeria.
In light of these findings, it is essential to disregard these statements as unfounded and potentially misleading.
The Nigerian creative industry, particularly Nollywood, has made significant strides in recent years, earning recognition and accolades both domestically and internationally.
The vast majority of Nollywood producers have demonstrated a commitment to producing high-quality films that showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage.
As an industry advocacy organization, FILMIC is dedicated to promoting the growth and development of the Nigerian creative industry. Our primary objective is to provide strategic guidance and support towards the development of a robust and progressive creative industry ecosystem. With a formidable membership strength representing various strata of the Creative Industry, we are committed to the positive growth of Nigeria’s creative industry.
In conclusion, FILMIC strongly refutes the allegations and urges all stakeholders to disregard this unsubstantiated statement. We remain committed to promoting the interests of the Nigerian creative industry and supporting its continued growth and development.
