Cinema takings in the country may have dipped last month, as the top 20 films across the country’s cinemas for the four weeks of the month grossed over N350 million. This is according to data from the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN).
Similar data for last month showed that film takings hit overr N600 million.
For the period ended January 4 to January 10, 2019, the top 20 films grossed N170 million. Aquaman grossed N60 million, Chief Daddy grossed N42.4 million, while Up North grossed N20.9 million.
For the period ended January 11 to January 17, 2019, the top 20 films grossed N70.6 million, Chief Daddy grossed N24.8 million and Up North grossed N9.1 million
For the period ended January 18 to January 24, 2019, the top 20 films grossed N61 million. Glass grossed N13.5 million, Aquaman grossed N13 million and Chief Daddy N9 million.
For the period ended January 25 to January 31, 2019, the top 20 films grossed N52.7 million. Glass grossed N10.7 million, Aquaman grossed N9.4 million, and Upside grossed N7.1 million
Likely reasons for the decline
The month on month decline may be due to several reasons. December was a festive month during which families got out, especially with kids on holidays. Children have since resumed school, and may have less time for such outings.
In the United States, where most of the key production and distribution houses are, January is a winter month when people tend to stay home. As such, film houses tend to release what they term hits much later in the year.