Nigerian actors, film makers protest closure of cinemas

Actors and film makers in the Nigerian movie industry have taken to Instagram to protest the continued closure of cinemas in the country.

The industry’s influencers began an online protest with the hashtag #SaveCinemas’ on Monday, August 17.

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This is to ensure that the federal government lift the ban on the closure of cinemas Nationwide.

The online protest flooded timelines with film makers, actors and viewers relating their experiences and how the closure of cinemas is affecting the growth of the entertainment industry.

Below are some reactions from film makers and actors

Nigerian singer and actor  Falz popularly known as Falz thebahdguy says the government contributes little or nothing to the creative sector.

“Restaurants have reopened, airlines have been operating, places of worship have also been permitted to reopen.

“Let’s not even start to talk about all the videos that have surfaced of political rallies happening, clearly neglecting all safety precautions.

“Right now, we don’t see anything but a government that contributes little or nothing to its creative sector and continues to attempt to stifle the sector in every way.

“Thousands of people have been left without any way to earn for several months.

“The entertainment industry must be allowed to gradually get back in business!! Let’s start with cinemas reopening”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Restaurants have reopened, airlines have been operating, places of worship have also been permitted to reopen. Let’s not even start to talk about all the videos that have surfaced of political rallies happening, clearly neglecting all safety precautions. Right now, we don’t see anything but a government that contributes little or nothing to its creative sector and continues to attempt to stifle the sector in every way. Thousands of people have been left without any way to earn for several months. The entertainment industry must be allowed to gradually get back in business!! Let’s start with cinemas reopening!! #SaveCinemas #SaveEntertainment @bossmustaphaSGF @MBuhari @mohammedubuhari @profOsinbajo @hmiclaimohammed @Mohammed_Lai @oyostategovt @seyiamakinde @raufolaniyan @oyostategovt @NCDCgov @NigeriaGov @theasovilla @whonigeria @fmic_nigeria

A post shared by Falz TheBahdGuy (@falzthebahdguy) on Aug 17, 2020 at 10:18am PDT

Veteran actress, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde says Cinemas are more easier to regulate

“I believe cinemas are easier to monitor and regulate. If other indoor places are open, why not the Cinemas? Temp checks, masks, distancing etc.

“We need to work together to ensure safer ways to keep the Arts going

“Many livelihoods depend on this. It can and MUST be done as safely as possible. #savecinemas”.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

I believe cinemas are easier to monitor and regulate. If other indoor places are open, why not the Cinemas? Temp checks, masks, distancing etc We need to work together to ensure safer ways to keep the Arts going . Many livelihoods depend on this. It can and MUST be done as safely as possible. #savecinemas pic credit :- @officialosas

A post shared by Dr Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, MFR (@realomosexy) on Aug 17, 2020 at 10:11am PDT

Toyin Abraham, Bellindah Effah, Osas Ighodari, Lilian Afegbai among others also joined the campaign.

It can be recalled that the federal government closed the cinemas in April 2020 to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

Do you think cinemas should be opened?

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