CEAN Denies Bias Amid Allegations of Unfair Cinema Practices by Filmmakers

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 The Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) has rejected allegations of bias and unfair cinema practices following public complaints from several Nollywood filmmakers over screening and ticketing issues during the recent holiday release window.

In an official statement released this week and signed by members of its executive committee, CEAN maintained that cinema scheduling decisions are based on commercial performance rather than favouritism. 

According to the association, factors such as audience demand, real-time ticket sales, marketing strength, and existing fan bases play a major role in determining how many showtimes a film receives.

CEAN explained that films with higher turnout are often allocated additional screening slots to meet customer demand and prevent empty theatres, describing the practice as standard across the global cinema industry. The association stressed that such decisions are not intended to disadvantage any filmmaker.

The response comes after a wave of complaints last week from producers and actors, including Toyin Abraham, Ini Edo, and filmmaker Niyi Akinmolayan. 

The filmmakers accused some cinemas of failing to screen their films at scheduled times, replacing titles after tickets had already been sold, and refusing to honour purchased tickets.

Addressing these claims, CEAN stated that it does not condone any form of misconduct, including failure to honour valid tickets or refusal to issue refunds. The association confirmed that specific complaints are currently under review and assured stakeholders that appropriate corrective actions would be taken where necessary.

While acknowledging that challenges may occur, CEAN suggested that some reported incidents could stem from misunderstandings rather than deliberate wrongdoing. 

The body encouraged filmmakers to utilise established industry channels to report grievances and reiterated its commitment to transparency, fairness, and constructive dialogue.

The statement was jointly signed by CEAN executive members Moses Babatope, Jonathan Yakubu, Shileola Ibironke, and Patrick Lee, who collectively reaffirmed the association’s dedication to maintaining industry standards and fostering collaboration between exhibitors, distributors, and filmmakers.

Despite CEAN’s defence, the controversy has reignited a long-standing debate within Nollywood over power dynamics in theatrical distribution. 

Similar allegations have surfaced repeatedly over the years, particularly during peak release periods such as December, when competition for screen space intensifies.

Past complaints from producers and actors have included claims of uneven showtime allocation, staff allegedly discouraging audiences from watching certain films, and promotional bias within cinema premises. 

These concerns have raised questions about transparency and accountability within the exhibition sector.

Actor Femi Branch revisited the issue in a widely circulated video in 2024, where he described what he characterised as systemic practices that disadvantage some filmmakers. 

In the video, Branch alleged that certain cinema staff actively promoted specific titles over others, altered screening schedules without notice, and removed promotional materials belonging to competing films.

Branch also suggested that fear of being blacklisted has prevented many producers from speaking publicly, warning that inconsistent exhibition practices could discourage investment and threaten the sustainability of film production.

While CEAN insists that its decisions are commercially driven and responsive to audience behaviour, filmmakers continue to call for clearer guidelines, stronger enforcement of exhibition agreements, and greater transparency in how showtimes are allocated, particularly during high-traffic seasons.

As discussions continue, the episode highlights ongoing tensions between exhibitors and producers and raises broader questions about trust, accountability, and balance of power within Nigeria’s theatrical distribution ecosystem.

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