Popular film and media distribution company, Filmhouse Cinemas and FilmOne distribution may have given one of its co-founders, Kene Mkparu the boot. The firm, however, avoided the term sack, but called it a “parting of ways ”.
The news was disclosed this in a press statement by Deputy Managing Director and co-founder, Kene Okwuosa.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the decision of the Board of Directors of Filmhouse Cinemas and FilmOne Distribution and Production, to part ways with Mr. Kene Mkparu, in his position as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of both companies,”
Okwuosa also disclosed that he would assume office as acting Managing Director of Filmhouse Cinemas. Sister company, FilmOne Distribution also has an acting Managing Director in the person of Moses Babatope. In addition, he allayed fears that the companies had financial issues.
Why did Kene Mkparu leave?
While the company in its statement gave no reason for Mkparu’s exit earlier news reports had hinted at allegations of financial mismanagement. Yet other sources insist it was related to issues of personal misconduct.
Still, others insist his exit was due to losing out in a boardroom tussle.
Mkparu worked as the General Manager of Odeon Cinemas in the UK from 1991 till 2008 when he left for Nigeria to launch the Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, where he became the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer till 2012. According to the Nation, Mkparu left Genesis Cinema, in the same manner, to co-found Filmhouse Cinemas in 2012.
He is also a member of the Nigerian OSCARS Selection Committee.
He hails from Okpuno, Otolo Nnewi in Anambra State, South East of Nigeria.
Mkparu obtained his first degree in Biochemistry & Zoology in 1988 from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He also attended the University of London for Post Graduate Studies in Biopharmaceutical Sciences/Toxicology in 1990.
He graduated from City University London in 2001 with an M.Sc. Business Systems Analysis & Design.
Mkparu was the executive producer of The Wedding Party and “Lunchtime Heroes. In 2017, he appeared in Omoni Oboli’s movie, Wives on Strike: The Revolution.
Filmhouse Cinemas Limited is a film exhibition company with a vision to be the number one cinema brand in Nigeria. The company has 10 cinemas across Nigeria.
