Expert urges decentralised cinemas, cheaper tickets to grow Nollywood
An expert suggests that decentralising cinema infrastructure and lowering ticket prices could significantly enhance the growth of Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry.
Yinka Ade-Aluko, the founder of Doodle-Film Hub, has emphasized the need for decentralising cinema infrastructure and lowering ticket prices to stimulate economic growth within Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood. In an analysis of the FilmOne 2025 Box Office Year Book, which was shared with the News Agency of Nigeria, Ade-Aluko pointed out that although Nollywood is recognized for its creativity and productivity, its current exhibition model is too focused on an urban elite audience and is prohibitively expensive for the average citizen. He argued that improving access to cinemas is essential to unlocking the industry’s potential.
According to the FilmOne 2025 Box Office Year Book, Nigeria’s cinema box office revenue is around N16 billion. Ade-Aluko noted that in a country with a population of approximately 250 million, where more than 60 percent are under 30 years old, this revenue indicates a significant underperformance, rather than substantial growth of Nollywood. He stressed that the issues within the industry do not stem from a lack of talent or storytelling but are fundamentally related to access and affordability of cinema experiences.
The call for decentralization seeks to make cinema experiences more accessible across Nigeria, attempting to reach audiences beyond the urban centers that currently dominate the film exhibition landscape. By making ticket prices more affordable and increasing the availability of cinema infrastructure in rural and suburban areas, Ade-Aluko believes Nollywood can achieve its full economic impact and enhance viewer engagement. Ultimately, these changes could lead to a more vibrant and diverse cinema culture in Nigeria, benefiting both filmmakers and audiences alike.