It has been an interesting year for theatrical releases. Ever since the global pandemic, studios have had to make their marketing more diverse to appeal to a wider audience. This is why there are hashtags on Twitter with special icons and TikTok videos. It helps generate buzz about a movie which leads to ticket sales.
According to CEAN’s report, ₦363 million was made in ticket sales for the month of June which was ₦284.9 million or 44% less than was realized in May.
There were 20 Nollywood films shown in June and they accounted for 28% of total ticket sales with Ile Owo being the most-watched. While 14 Hollywood films accounted for about 70%, with ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’ and ‘Top-Gun: Maverick’ being the major outliers.
About Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria
The Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) is an association of cinema owners, operators and managers incorporated by the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria.
- They provide up-to-date information on best practices and identify ways to preserve and promote Nigerian exhibitors.
- They promote the cultural, social, and economic benefits of a cinema-going culture in Nigeria.
- They find new ways to attract patrons to cinemas.
- The CEAN actively fights to stop piracy in Nigeria.
Previous Month’s Revenue
- May generated ₦653 million with 21 Nollywood films and 14 Hollywood films. The Nollywood films accounted for 28% of total ticket costs while the Hollywood films made up the bulk with ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ selling the most tickets.
- April generated ₦582 million with 22 Nollywood films and 19 Hollywood films. The Nollywood films accounted for 43% of ticket sales, with King of Thieves as the outliner – making up 23% of the 43%, whereas 19 Hollywood films accounted for the rest with two films grossing over ₦50 million. ‘Morbius’ and ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’ leading them.
- March generated ₦346.6 million with ‘The Batman’ selling the highest number of tickets accounting for 39% of box office revenue for the month of March. Of the 41 films shown in Nigerian cinemas, Hollywood accounted for 75% of revenue with only 14 films. Nollywood had 27 films and made up the rest of the revenue.
- February generated ₦301.4 million with 70% of the films shown in cinemas in February were from Hollywood while Nollywood accounted for 30%.
- January generated ₦636.2 million with ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ released mid-December accounting for the most ticket sales.
Possible Reasons for the Rise and Fall
When looking at the reasons the body office oscillates between different figures, we may consider the economic state of the country. In times of economic crisis, people often forgo their wants and focus on their needs. This means they will leave out things they deem non-essential so they may wait for a wider release which will be cheaper.
- Netflix releasing more content more be seen as an alternative to visiting cinemas.
- The quality and type of films showing at the cinema may not have had people interested.
- Increased price of petrol would make people tighten their belts.
- The quality of the cinemas could affect the viewing experience as well. If the halls are dirty, chairs are broken, or the sound system is faulty.
Whatever the case may be, the second half of the year may promise even more than the first half with the sequel of ‘Black Panther’, ‘Avatar: The Way of the Water, ‘Akoni’, ‘Choke’ and ‘The Woman King’ amongst others.
