In view of the high spate of rights abuses and criminalities, plus non-compliance to established regulatory standards now being recorded among practitioners in the Nigerian film industry, the Association of Movie Practitioners (AMPrac) has launched a special project to effectively combat the menace.
The Association of Movie Practitioners (AMPrac) has called on all filmmakers and actors in the top-selling Nigerian movie industry, to strictly abide by regulations established by the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), and to abstain from all manners of criminality and other vices.
To this end, AMPrac President, Comrade Ifeanyi Azodo together with his national executives, has officially announced the flag-off of its flagship project tagged “Nollywood Reform Project (NRP)”, to take effect from 1st October, 2024.
A statement dated September 30, 2024 and released at a media parley by the National Taskforce Chairman, Chuma Mmeka, informs that the association’s President has directed that the compliance and sanitization programme be commenced immediately to create extensive awareness among the general public and movie practitioners in particular, about the need to correct unscrupulous activities in, and negative perceptions of the Nigerian Nollywood industry.
The statement highlighted Mr. Azodo’s emphasis on the importance of adhering to NFVCB standards for movie production, of members remaining law abiding, and of movie practitioners ensuring that no player in the industry is subjected to cruel working conditions.
According to Azodo “All members, particularly producers, must ensure that their films meet the NFVCB’s standards and are properly censored.
“Movie producers, other practitioners and stakeholders, whether for online content or full film should endeavour to be properly registered with a recognized guild/association before practice.
“We cannot overemphasize the necessity for all association members and other stakeholders to strictly abide by the law, and adhere to regulations of the NFVCB; ensuring that all movies produced in Nigeria meet the board’s specifications.
“We are establishing effective partnerships and bridge building with various security agencies and regulators at the federal level, plus relevant stakeholders to ensure an efficient realization of our overall objectives,” the statement also read.
The project which is to be handled by AMPrac National Taskforce office, will feature sensitization events, seminar workshops and training, Know-Your-Colleague (KYC) activities, and empowerment programmes based on merit.
Speaking to newsmen at the parley, Chuma Mmeka who was directed by the President in the statement, to take charge of the project, revealed that several directorates of AMPrac were working together and in progressive partnerships with other recognized guilds and associations in Nollywood to ensure optimum realization of the project goal.
Mmeka insisted that the time has come for the movie industry to break free from the chains hitherto hindering it’s progress.
“We have to break free from chains and liberate ourselves from prevalent industrial ills. It is time for us to resist corruption, exploitation, poor working conditions, and criminality in our professional environment.
“Nollywood, our beloved film industry, is a beacon of creativity and culture. However, it faces significant challenges that threaten its integrity and the well-being of its workers.”
Continuing, Chuma Mmeka noted key issues and unfair practices that militate against transparency in the industry as including favoritism which he said hindered genuine talent expression.
“Many actors and crew members work under poor conditions with inadequate or delayed pay. Again, Illegal distribution of films robs creators of their rights and earnings.
“If we do not change from the way things are right now, we risk destroying the industry completely as a direct consequence of unprofessionalism and unethical practices.
“Join us in our campaign to address these issues and create a fair, transparent, and thriving film and video industry. Your voice does matter!
“Together, we can build a Nollywood industry with professional services that respects and uplifts everyone involved; that is our vision.” He concluded.
