By Anthony Nwachukwu
Nigeria’s National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the China Film Administration are working to expand film distribution between Nigeria and China, improve market access for filmmakers and strengthen regulatory cooperation in the technology-driven global film industry.
Receiving a delegation from the China Film Administration in Abuja, the NFVCB Executive Director/CEO, Dr Shaibu Husseini, said the board was ready to deepen collaboration with Chinese film industry stakeholders to facilitate the distribution of Nigerian films, particularly Nollywood productions, across China, while creating opportunities for wider distribution of Chinese films in Nigeria.
With discussions focusing on mechanisms to strengthen commercial film distribution, including theatrical distribution, licensing arrangements, regulatory cooperation and technical expertise exchange, both sides explored ways to improve access to their respective markets and wider international audiences, and for Chinese productions to gain a stronger presence in Nigeria.
Husseini emphasised that international partnerships would expand Nollywood’s global reach, open new commercial opportunities for Nigerian filmmakers and distributors, and promote cultural exchange and economic growth through cinema and audiovisual content. He expressed the NFVCB’s readiness for appropriate agreements to facilitate mutually beneficial cooperation.
However, he stressed that all distribution arrangements involving the Nigerian market must comply with the country’s regulatory framework. Consequently, he urged the Chinese delegation to engage only with duly registered distribution companies in Nigeria and seek clarification from the NFVCB on the registration and regulatory status of prospective partners.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of transparent and efficient licensing and rights-acquisition processes to facilitate legitimate cross-border distribution, protect intellectual property and minimise barriers to international market access.
Among others, they also discussed closer engagement between relevant regulatory authorities to improve understanding of film classification requirements and regulatory procedures in both countries
Husseini further requested the Chinese delegation to support the board with modern film classification infrastructure to strengthen its operational capacity, noting that technical cooperation and knowledge exchange would help build institutional capacity in an industry that is increasingly shaped by technological innovation and evolving distribution models.
The engagement also addressed emerging global film regulation challenges, particularly the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), digital distribution platforms and the circulation of unclassified films through online channels.
Consequently, both sides acknowledged the need for closer cooperation and appropriate strategies to promote responsible content distribution, regulatory compliance and intellectual property protection.
In his remarks, leader of the Chinese delegation and Chairman of HuaXia Film Distribution Ltd. Co., Mr Bai Yimin, expressed their willingness to explore practical avenues to strengthen film distribution between both countries.
He highlighted the potential for cooperation among stakeholders in both countries to expand market access, promote film circulation and deepen bilateral engagement through cinema and audiovisual content.
To advance the discussions, the Chinese delegation invited Husseini to China for further engagement on areas of mutual interest, especially on practical frameworks for cooperation in film distribution, licensing, classification, technological advancement and professional knowledge exchange.
The Chinese delegation included Mr Xu Yang and Mr Shang Xiao Meng of the China Film Distribution, the Chief Executive Officer of Tai Ge Film Company, Mr Yang Gang, and Mr Luo Gaocheng of Tiger Pictures Entertainment.
The meeting was facilitated by veteran filmmaker and convener of the Abuja International Film Festival, Mr Fidelis Duker, according to the NFVCD’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Ogbonna Onwumere.
