The Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) has issued an official response following public allegations by several filmmakers accusing cinemas of unfair screening and ticketing practices during the recent holiday release window.
In a signed statement released this week, CEAN rejected claims of bias or favouritism, arguing that cinema scheduling decisions are largely driven by audience demand, real-time ticket sales, and market performance rather than preferential treatment of specific titles.
“Films that attract higher turnout may receive more showtimes to meet customer demand and avoid empty screens,” the association said, describing the practice as standard within the global cinema industry. CEAN added that factors such as marketing strength, audience interest, and an existing fan base often play a significant role in box office outcomes.
The statement follows complaints raised last week by producers and actors, including Toyin Abraham, Ini Edo, and filmmaker Niyi Akinmolayan. The filmmakers alleged that some cinemas failed to screen their films at scheduled times, refused to honour already purchased tickets, or replaced their titles with other films after tickets had been sold.
CEAN stated that it does not support any form of misconduct, including refusal to honour valid tickets or failure to issue refunds. According to the association, specific complaints are currently under review, with assurances that corrective action will be taken where necessary.
“Many reported issues may arise from misunderstandings,” CEAN said, while encouraging filmmakers to engage established industry channels when raising concerns. The association reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, fairness, and dialogue, calling for closer collaboration between exhibitors, filmmakers, and distributors.
The statement was signed by CEAN’s executive committee, comprising Moses Babatope, Jonathan Yakubu, Shileola Ibironke, and Patrick Lee.
However, the controversy has reopened a long-running industry debate. Similar allegations against cinemas have surfaced repeatedly over the years, particularly during high-traffic release periods such as December. Past complaints from actors and producers have included claims of uneven showtime allocation, staff allegedly discouraging audiences from watching certain films, and promotional bias within cinema premises.
Actor Femi Branch revisited the issue in a widely circulated video in 2024, describing what he characterised as systemic practices that disadvantage some filmmakers. In the video, Branch alleged that certain cinema staff actively promoted specific films over others, altered scheduled screening times without notice, and removed promotional materials for some titles.
Branch also suggested that fear of being blacklisted prevents many producers from speaking publicly, arguing that inconsistent exhibition practices discourage investment and threaten the sustainability of film production.
While CEAN maintains that scheduling decisions are commercially driven and responsive to audience behaviour, filmmakers continue to call for clearer standards, stronger enforcement of exhibition agreements, and greater transparency in how showtimes are allocated, especially during peak seasons.
As discussions continue, the episode underscores ongoing tensions between exhibitors and producers and raises broader questions about trust, accountability, and power dynamics within the theatrical distribution ecosystem. Whether CEAN’s call for constructive dialogue leads to structural changes remains to be seen.
You can read CEAN’s full statement below:
