The Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) Dr Shaibu Hussieni, has declared that things are going fine for Nigerian Cinema going by the report of increased revenue in ticket sales.
Hussein who stated this at the Nollywood Creative Minds Forum’s 6th Annual Gathering themed, “In pursuit of Better” held at Lekki, Lagos, stated in his keynote address that “This year alone saw a 120% surge in revenue at the box office and an increase in ticket purchases”.
This piece of cheering news is coming even in the midst of inflation and general rise in commodity prices.
The Censors Board boss who commended the group for creating such a platform for Stakeholders to discuss and proffer solutions, also reminded the forum that the road to excellence in Nollywood is turbulent.
In a statement released by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Ogbonna Onwumere, Shuaibu, noted that the forum has facilitated partnerships and collaborations between Nollywood creatives and industry stakeholders.
He acknowledged Nollywood’s tremendous growth, citing a significant increase in production quality, audience engagement, and global recognition and also embracing new technologies, techniques, ideas as well as fostering cooperation and knowledge sharing as conditions necessary for achieving excellence in filmmaking.
Hussein assured the forum that to achieve this vision, the NFVCB is committed to providing support and resources to filmmakers, including: capacity-building programs and workshops with plans to establish producers, exhibitors and distributors lab. Secondly, the NFVCB’s Board, noted that there was a plan to make access to funding and investment opportunities easier adding that under his watch, he will assist stakeholders secure Letters of endorsement to those wishing to establish cinema, distribution and exhibition infrastructure.
Thirdly, he noted that international collaborations and partnerships would be facilitated and urged stakeholders to continue to strive for excellence, emphasizing that the pursuit of a better filmmaking tradition requires a collective effort.
He emphasized the need to NCMF 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.
