Emmanuel Thomas, Lagos
July 29, 2015 – Stakeholders in the Nigerian Movie Industry today reiterated their call for government to step in and reverse the dwindling fortune in the industry.
They are particularly unhappy about piracy and lack of commitment on the part of the Federal Government and Lagos State Government to end the menace.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum facilitated by a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, who is notable actor and filmmaker, Hon. Desmond Elliot, the movie practitioners emphasised that the need for enforcement of appropriate laws to galvanise development in the industry.
A member of the Assembly, Hon. Olusegun Olulade set the ball rolling when he said that the House was willing to work with the practitioners to develop the industry.
While expressing his passion for the industry, Olulade said that piracy is a criminal offence that must be checkmated as it is a common enemy for the players in the industry.
“Producers and marketers expect returns for their works, if the industry is doing well, everybody would want to be part of it. Nollywood is a very vital sector of our society that everybody must support. We will support you to end piracy,” he said.
A renowned producer and film maker, Lancelot Imasuen emphasised that motion picture has benefitted the Lagos State Government immensely and that a place like Surulere in Lagos should be made a place of attraction as it houses Winnies Hotel, where actors gather to unwind.
“Lagos State Government has not shown enough commitment to the development of the movies industry. 75% of Nollywood films are made in the state, while 80% of the practitioners live in the state. A place can be designated for the industry in the state,” he said.
In his contribution, a veteran actor and film maker, Prince Jide Kosoko stated that there are other locations, where movie stars gather like Fadeyi, Odunfa and other places, adding that the government should intervene to help regulate the industry.
“We want laws, and policies that will help us to do our business without interference. We want the participation of the government in the continuous development of the industry on film exhibition,” he said.
Another participant, Chief Emeka Ossai suggested that the industry needs structures through which the Lagos State Government can interface with the industry on security, adding that there is security for film makers in other climes.
“We are usually attacked by street urchins when we go for shootings and it is serious. When we tried to market our films directly, the local government officials were demanding money and levies from us. The industry should be taken more seriously by the government,” he stated.
In his submission, an ace film maker, Mr. Mahmud Alli-Balogun stated that there is a law on hawking in the state, and that if this is put into work, it would reduce piracy.
He also said that the State Censors Board ought to work with the Federal Government on piracy as copyright is on the exclusive list.
According to him, “the headquarters of piracy is Alaba International Market, Lagos. We have tried to end this with the security agencies and that is where we have problems. What we lack is the will power to fight piracy as against what was done against fake drugs then. Piracy must be taken as a serious problem, we should fight it the way we tackle armed robbery.”
He added that there is a bill tagged; “The Motion Picture Council Draft Bill” (MOPICON) that is currently with the Federal Ministry of Justice put together by movie practitioners.
The participants also made it clear that one of the best ways to fight piracy is to have cinema houses in designated places in the state and that the government should provide a conducive environment for this to thrive.
It was subsequently agreed, as suggested by Hon. Olufunmilayo Tejuosho that a committee should be set-up comprising lawmakers and movie practitioners to tackle the issues affecting the industry.
Other participants at the event were Ramsey Nouah, Aki and Pawpaw, Fidelis Ducker, Dayo Amusa, Ireti Osayemi-Bankole, Olurotimi Aina-Kusoro and Alhaji Lanre AbdulRasaq (Corporate Pictures). Others include Bolanle Ninalowo, Joseph Benjamin, and Kalu Ikagu.
