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.