Prominent Nollywood actress and producer Mercy Aigbe has raised serious concerns about alleged attempts by certain cinemas to discourage viewers from watching her latest film, “Thin Line.” The accusations come as multiple fans report being actively discouraged from purchasing tickets to the movie at various cinema locations.
The controversy gained public attention when Aigbe shared a screenshot from a concerned fan who had encountered similar discouraging experiences at multiple cinema venues. Fellow actor Jamiu Azeez corroborated these claims, specifically citing incidents at Maryland Mall where cinema staff allegedly deterred potential viewers by warning them about non-functioning air conditioning in the screening hall.
“When I went for the meet and greet, the AC in the hall for Thinline wasn’t working, and the attendants were telling people before getting tickets that there was no AC in the hall, which discouraged a lot of people,” Azeez shared. He described having to personally intervene, pleading with potential viewers to support the film despite the uncomfortable conditions.
The situation has particularly frustrated Aigbe, who made her cinematic debut just last year and has invested significantly in “Thin Line” as her second theatrical release. Taking to social media, she expressed her distress while maintaining a resilient attitude, stating that while her direct messages are flooded with similar complaints, she finds solace in the positive reviews from those who have managed to see the film.
This controversy emerges against the backdrop of Aigbe’s recent revelations about the challenging production process of “Thin Line.” The actress-producer recently shared a particularly difficult moment during filming when she suffered from severe eye swelling that resulted in hospitalization. The movie took a lot of pain, blood, and sweat,” Aigbe disclosed, highlighting the personal investment she has made in the project.
The accusations raise broader questions about the relationship between independent filmmakers and cinema chains in Nigeria’s growing film industry. As Nollywood continues to evolve from direct-to-video releases to theatrical distributions, the power dynamics between producers and exhibition venues become increasingly significant.
These allegations come at a crucial time for Nigerian cinema, as the industry works to establish stronger infrastructure for theatrical releases and build trust between various stakeholders. The situation highlights the challenges faced by filmmakers, particularly those transitioning from traditional Nollywood formats to cinema releases, in navigating the complex theatrical distribution landscape.
Despite these obstacles, Aigbe maintains a positive outlook, expressing gratitude for the support she has received and focusing on the favorable reactions from viewers who have seen the film. Her experience underscores the resilience required of independent filmmakers in Nigeria’s competitive entertainment industry.
The controversy has sparked discussions within the Nigerian film community about the need for more transparent and supportive relationships between filmmakers and cinema operators. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, such incidents highlight the importance of establishing better standards and practices to ensure fair treatment for all productions.
For Aigbe, who has committed significant resources and effort to this project, the situation represents more than just business challenges. It reflects the broader struggles of creators working to elevate Nigerian cinema while dealing with infrastructural and institutional hurdles. As the situation develops, it may serve as a catalyst for important conversations about the future of theatrical distribution in Nollywood.
