The Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) says it made N378 million from tickets sold across cinemas in the country in August.

Ope Ajayi, CEAN’s national president, disclosed this on Tuesday. He said the figure represented a 28 per cent increase compared to N294 million realised in August 2021.

Mr Ajayi, however, noted that there was a 19 per cent decline in tickets sold in August, compared to N471 million generated in July.

“The 37 films shown in August realised over NGN378 million at the box office. Thirteen Hollywood films accounted for 72.4 per cent, while 16 Nollywood films made a little over 22 per cent,” the CEAN president explained.

He also mentioned that August’s top five highest-grossing films were: Thur: Love and Thunder, Bullet Train, Beast, Hey you! and League of Surpets.

“Thor: Love and Thunder remained the highest-grossing, with N80 million in the month, which brings its lifetime revenue at Nigeria’s box office to over N350 million, as of 31st August,” he said.

Mr Ajayi further disclosed that September would feature two main blockbusters, ‘The Woman King’ and ‘Brotherhood’.

“Both have the potential to make September 2022 the best since the inception of the Nigerian box office, with revenues projected to hit N700 million, despite the high rate of rainfall recorded in several cities, especially Lagos,” the CEAN president stressed.

He added, “It is set to be a bit merrier in September when the legendary Viola Davies unleashes a brilliant performance in Sony’s new high-paced epic drama/thriller, ‘The Woman King’. So, if the green screen lovers think they saw action at its finest last month, then wait for what is coming from the female warriors of ancient Dahomey.” 

(NAN)