SPECULATIONS are rife that the once harmonious relationship
between the Nigerian movie industry, Nollywood and its counterpart, Ghana’s
Ghollywood,is currently under threat as the movie marketers under the aegis of
Film, Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN) has placed
embargo on Ghanaian films with effect from the end of this month.
The
association has also resolved to halt the distribution of films produced by
non-professionals. It insists that if such film(s) must be distributed at all,
its right of ownership should be transferred to its members on negotiation. The
FVPMAN chairman, Onitsha branch, Mr. Uzo Godson Nwosu who confirmed this
development to HVP, said this position was taken after the association’s
general meeting last weekend in Onitsha.
According to him, the decision became necessary following
the position taken by their Ghanaian counterparts who have banned the
distribution of Nigerian films in their country long time ago.
His words, “starting from the first week of August, no
Ghanaian film will be allowed to enter the Nigerian market again. We have
resolved that no Ghanaian film will be distributed within our controlled
market. Our Ghanaian counterparts have long stopped distributing our films in
their country, and given this development, we have no choice than to
reciprocate the gesture.” FVPMAN boss stated.
Nwosu who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Guinks
Investment said any of their members who failed to compile with this new order
will either be prosecuted or have his goods confiscated by the association.
The marketer said the association is finalising plans to
storm Ghana any moment from now, particularly to confront those local
television stations who are illegally airing Nigerian films without obtaining
permission from the right owners.
Also, given the problem associated with “second tier
market”(where a producer is compelled to observe a three-month grace before
releasing his film into the market in a large quality), Nwosu said the
association has decided to reversed the trend.
Film owners, according to him, are now free to release their
films into the market without necessarily observing the mandatory three months
grace before doing so.
They will also be required to obtain censors’ board and copy
right commission’s documents in addition to registering the film with the sum
of N10,000 with the FVPMAN.
“In order to move the association forward, we have resolved
to address the problem of second tier market.” FVPMAN boss further stated.
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