Nollywood filmmaker Niyi Akimolayan has stirred discussions within the Nigerian film industry by offering a thought-provoking perspective on the issue of piracy.
While piracy has long been considered a major challenge facing Nollywood, Akimolayan suggests that the root problem may lie in the accessibility of films rather than the act of piracy itself.
In a recent social media post, Akimolayan stated, “I don’t believe people pirate movies because they don’t want to pay. They pirate movies because they don’t want to wait. If everyone can get access to a film the weekend it drops, you will end piracy. Remember, people pay for data to watch those films.”
Reflecting on the era of CDs and DVDs, he noted that audiences often purchased pirated copies due to a lack of timely access to official releases. “In the days of DVDs, people bought DVDs of cinema screen recordings because they didn’t want to wait for the real DVDs. They bought them in traffic because they didn’t want to miss the discussions around the film,” he said, adding that the trend has resurfaced in the form of illegal streaming on platforms like Telegram.
To address this issue, Akimolayan proposed innovative distribution strategies. One suggestion involved releasing films in cinemas and on digital platforms simultaneously, a move he believes could reduce the incentive for piracy. “While cinema is an irreplaceable experience, in a country like ours, you should be able to release in cinema and on a platform the same day. You will render pirates useless because the power is now in your hands,” he argued.
The filmmaker also suggested creating platforms where viewers could watch a portion of a film before deciding to pay for full access. According to him, this approach could address audience dissatisfaction with low-quality productions and encourage filmmakers to improve their craft.
However, Akimolayan’s comments have sparked mixed reactions within Nollywood. While some applaud his forward-thinking approach to distribution, others argue that it oversimplifies a complex issue and fails to consider the financial implications for producers and cinemas.
Piracy remains a contentious topic in Nollywood, with stakeholders exploring various solutions ranging from legal enforcement to innovative business models. Whether Akimolayan’s ideas gain traction or face resistance, they have undoubtedly reignited the debate on how best to tackle the problem.
With over a decade in the industry, Akimolayan has directed notable films such as “The Wedding Party 2”, “Chief Daddy”, and “The Set Up”. He is also the founder of Anthill Studios, a production company known for pushing creative boundaries in Nigerian cinema.
As Nollywood continues to grow, the question of how to balance accessibility with profitability remains critical. Akimolayan’s views offer one perspective in a broader, ongoing conversation.