Faithia Williams, a Nollywood actress and director, Faithia Williams Slams Cinema Cutbacks on ‘Efunroye’ Screenings accused certain theaters of ignoring her most recent film, Efunroye: The Unicorn.
Based on the life of Madam Efunroye Tinubu, a Yoruba politician and merchant from the 19th century whose legacy is still hotly contested in Nigerian history, Efunroye: The Unicorn is a historical drama that debuted in theaters on May 1.
The production has attracted public discussion since its announcement because of how it portrays her life, especially her links to the transatlantic slave trade. Some critics have questioned the portrayal, and Ms Williams responded that the film was not intended to “glorify or whitewash” Efunroye Tinubu’s legacy, but to present a broader interpretation of her life and historical impact.
According to her, some viewers had struggled to find available screening times for the movie in cinemas.
The mother of three also complained that the movie was being given late screening times, including 9 p.m. and 12 a.m.
In the video, she asked why cinemas would schedule a movie for midnight, saying such a time would make it difficult for people to attend.
“I do not know what is happening,” she said in the video while urging Nigerians to continue supporting the project.
It is essential for cinemas to acknowledge the efforts of film producers and strive to be fair in their dealings with them. The process of creating a well-crafted film is often a labor of love, and producers go through a lot to ensure that their vision is brought to life on the big screen.
By being fair and understanding, cinemas can help facilitate a healthy and productive relationship between producers and the film industry as a whole. This would not only benefit the producers but also contribute to the overall quality and diversity of films that are screened in cinemas.
