Nollywood cinema slots are driven by business, not cabals – Mo Abudu
Media executive Mo Abudu has dismissed claims that a secret cabal in Nollywood works with cinema owners to limit the screening of certain films.
Some filmmakers and cinema-goers have raised concerns on social media, alleging that movies are sometimes removed from schedules, replaced with other titles, or that audiences are persuaded to watch alternative films after tickets are sold.
Speaking on Arise TV on Saturday, Mo Abudu said such claims are unfounded, stressing that cinema operations are guided by financial considerations rather than personal relationships or favouritism.
“There is no cabal. This is not about sentiment or favouritism; it is about return on investment. If a film cannot fill seats, it will be replaced no matter who owns it. If I am running air-conditioning, paying staff, and only two or three people are sitting in a 100-seat cinema, that film will lose its slot. It is purely business,” she explained.
Her comments come amid ongoing debates in Nollywood over how cinema slots are allocated. While some filmmakers have accused cinema operators of unfair scheduling practices, industry stakeholders argue that showtimes are determined by audience demand and box office performance.
As Nollywood’s cinema culture evolves, box office results have become a key measure of success. Films that attract larger audiences are often granted more screenings, as cinemas prioritise profitability and sustainable operations.
