NFVCB: We need more investment in community cinema

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has called for more investments in community cinemas.

A community cinema is any volunteer-led and non-profit organisation that shows films in its community.

Shaibu Husseini, the board’s executive director, spoke on Thursday during the second Lagos International Film and Cinema Convention (LIFACC).

The convention, held at EbonyLife Place, Victoria Island, Lagos, was attended by prominent figures in showbiz such as Joke Silva, Alibaba, Keppy Ekpeyong, Mahmood Ali-Balogun, and Ogbonna Onwumere, among others.

During his speech, Husseini called on stakeholders to seek partnerships with already established cinemas like Film One.

“We need to begin to invest in community cinemas. You don’t have to do it alone. You can have the building, then you go to already established cinema establishments like Film One,” he said.

“Tell them that you have a building you can convert into a cinema, ask them for equipment, and then we’ll know how to share. It’s a cash cow, it’s where you’ll get your revenues from but presently as it is, it is a bit elitist.”

Speaking on the classification of films, Husseini said “we have improved and we will improve. All those years of I sent my film and it took one week, three months is over”.

“If you send your film today and you don’t get a response in 48 hours, send me an email,” he said.

The convention brought together stakeholders and professionals in showbiz with the aim of proffering solutions to the problems bedeviling the industry.