Alleged copyright breach in Nollywood Christmas film stirs controversy
Nollywood’s festive movie season has been overshadowed by allegations of copyright infringement involving two Christmas-themed films.
A Kristmas to Love, produced by Lily Perez Films, emerged as a Top 5 family Christmas movie on YouTube following its release in December.
However, viewers later accused George Hates Christmas, produced by ChinnyLove Eze, of copying key elements of the earlier film, including its storyline, characters and scenes.
The backlash intensified after actor Baaj Adebule said he identified major similarities between both films and questioned the originality of the script.
The controversy has renewed calls for stronger copyright enforcement and better protection for emerging filmmakers in the industry.
Lily Perez Films is demanding public acknowledgement of originality, suspension of the disputed film, a formal apology, compensation and intervention by relevant industry bodies.
Speaking, producer Lily Perez said the dispute was not about rivalry but respect for originality and intellectual labour.
“This project was born from a deeply personal story, and seeing it replicated without consent is painful and unacceptable,” Ms Perez said.
She demanded public acknowledgement that A Kristmas to Love is the original work, warning that silence could encourage creative exploitation.
Ms Perez also called for the immediate suspension of George Hates Christmas pending a thorough review by appropriate industry bodies.
“Allowing the film to circulate while these issues remain unresolved undermines trust and fairness within Nollywood,” she said.
According to her, the demand is to address financial losses and reputational damage suffered by her production company.
“This is about justice, not vengeance. Young creatives deserve protection, not intimidation,” Ms Perez added.
She warned that failure to act could discourage new voices and stifle creativity in the fast-growing industry.
Industry observers say the case highlights persistent power imbalances between established producers and emerging filmmakers.
As Nollywood expands its global footprint, stakeholders insist that protecting originality is essential to sustaining credibility and growth.
The public now awaits intervention from relevant authorities to ensure accountability and reaffirm respect for intellectual property rights.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
World
Mamdani Threat: Trump says Netanyahu won’t be arrested in U.S.
Mr Trump, in a post on Truth Social on Monday, dismissed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s threat to arrest the Israeli leader to face prosecution at the International Criminal Court in The
Politics
Gov Aiyedatiwa celebrates Akeredolu’s legacy on posthumous birthday
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has paid tribute to Rotimi Akeredolu on his 70th posthumous birthday.
Economy
Vehicle duty reduction helpful not transformative: Stakeholders
Transport stakeholders say the federal government’s reduction in vehicle import duties has provided modest relief but is yet to transform the transport sector.
Economy
U.S. 50% tariff violates trade agreement, threatens Canada’s sovereignty: Carney
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the U.S. 50 per cent trade tariff, saying it violates the free trade agreement between Canada, America, and Mexico.
Hot news Home top
Husband pays ‘hired killer’ $1,720 advance to murder his wife, mother-in-law
The aggrieved husband wanted his wife killed because she planned to file for divorce.
Anti-Corruption
Agricultural firm Scoular to pay over $10 million to resolve foreign bribery case
Scoular employees communicated about shipments and bribes. In total, Scoular authorised bribes of more than $400,000 and avoided fees and costs of more than $6.5 million.
