Filmmaker Niyi Akinmolayan has intensified his public outcry against some Nigerian cinemas over what he describes as unfair and unprofessional handling of his latest movie, Colours of Fire.
In a video shared on his Instagram page on Saturday, the director accused certain cinema operators of listing the film online, selling tickets to moviegoers, and then refusing to screen the movie when customers arrive at the cinema.
Addressing the situation, Akinmolayan explained that December is already a tough period for filmmakers due to heavy competition and economic pressure, warning cinema operators against worsening the struggle.
“There’s a lot happening at the same time. What we should not do is create division where it’s not there,” he said.
He stressed that cinemas must honour screening agreements once a film has been scheduled and tickets sold.
“If you have a slot that you’ve chosen for a film, honour that agreement. Let people who have come to see the film, see the film,” Akinmolayan stated. “If there is a mistake, apologize to the customers. That is the right thing to do.”
The filmmaker also had strong words for critics and those attempting to intimidate him online as the controversy gained traction.
“You cannot bully me. You’re wasting your time. Nollywood is one. We’re fighting this fight together,” he declared.
Earlier in the week, Akinmolayan had threatened to publicly name and shame cinemas that failed to correct the alleged ticketing and scheduling issues affecting Colours of Fire.
His complaints echo similar frustrations expressed by other Nollywood filmmakers this festive season. Actress and producer Toyin Abraham recently lamented the handling of her film Over Sabi Aunty, accusing cinemas of misleading customers and assigning unappealing showtimes.
“A 10 am showtime, how do you expect it to sell?” Abraham asked.
Likewise, actress Ini Edo, producer of A Very Dirty Christmas, revealed that fans complained about being misinformed on screening times and denied access after purchasing tickets, describing the entire experience as “exhausting.”
As Detty December box-office battles intensify, the growing chorus of complaints from top filmmakers is reigniting conversations about transparency, fairness, and accountability within Nigeria’s cinema distribution system.