PARIS OLYMPIC GAMES
As Nollywood prepares for a competitive December at the box office, Funke Akindele, Mercy Aigbe, and Toyin Abraham are set to clash with the release of their films.
With major projects lined up for release, Akindele has taken a proactive stance, urging fans and her team to protect her highly anticipated film, Everybody Loves Jenifa, from the damaging effects of piracy.
In an Exhibitor Soirée held during the week at FilmHouse Cinemas, Akindele addressed key issues facing Nollywood, including the growing challenge of piracy.
She appealed to her fans and industry colleagues to protect the movie as they would their personal property.
“Please, let’s be very careful; let’s be vigilant. It’s our movie. We want to make money from it. Imagine what we would have made if A Tribe Called Judah wasn’t pirated,” Akindele remarked.
She stressed the importance of safeguarding the film’s release.
She also urged moviegoers to avoid using their phones during screenings to minimize the chances of illegal recording.
Fierce battle expected at the cinema
While piracy remains a pressing concern for Akindele, the competition in the cinema this December is equally fierce.
Akindele’s Everybody Loves Jenifa will face tough competition from Mercy Aigbe’s Thin Line, set to hit cinemas on December 13, 2024.
Adding to the mix is Toyin Abraham’s Alakada Bad and Boujee, which is scheduled for release a week later, on December 20, 2024.
With such heavyweight releases from Nollywood’s top female stars, all eyes will be on the box office performance of these films.
Akindele’s Everybody Loves Jenifa, a comedy featuring the return of the beloved Jenifa character alongside Folarin ‘Falz’ Falana, has already generated excitement among fans.
The film also boasts a star-studded cast, including Jackie Appiah, Nancy Isime, Stan Nze, Bisola Aiyeola, Patience Ozokwor, and Isaac Olayiwola (Layi Wasabi).
Aigbe’s Thin Line, a psychological drama, will be making its debut on December 13, 2024.
The film has been anticipated for its unique storyline and the actress’s performance.
Fans are eager to see how Aigbe’s work will compete with Akindele’s offering in the same month.
On the other hand, Toyin Abraham’s Alakada Bad and Boujee will continue her successful Alakada franchise, which has consistently performed well at the box office.
Abraham’s track record in Nollywood means her film is expected to draw a strong crowd, making the box office battle even more intense.
As the release dates draw near, Akindele’s plea for piracy awareness has become a central part of the conversation.
While the films of Aigbe and Abraham are expected to generate significant buzz, Akindele is determined to ensure that Everybody Loves Jenifa enjoys a fair opportunity at the box office.
Her call for vigilance in protecting the film is indicative of the challenges Nollywood faces with illegal distribution and the industry’s ongoing battle to preserve its commercial viability.
Despite the potential clash at the cinemas, Akindele seems confident that audiences will flock to watch her film, stating that “people know what they want to watch.”
Her call to avoid canvassing in cinemas, where fans might try to persuade others to watch certain films, reflects her belief in the power of choice and respect for moviegoers.
With all three actresses releasing films in December, it promises to be a battle for dominance at the box office.
As Akindele appeals against piracy and prepares for the release of Everybody Loves Jenifa, the showdown with Aigbe and Abraham will undoubtedly shape the final weeks of 2024 for Nollywood.
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