CINEMATOGRAPH ACT
Act · Water
An Act regulates the exhibition of films in cinemas and public places in Nigeria by requiring operators to obtain licenses and films to be certified. It targets cinema operators, film distributors, and the public. This ensures audiences are protected from harmful content.
CINEMATOGRAPH ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act regulating the exhibition of films in cinemas and public places in Nigeria, requiring cinema operators to be licensed and films to be certified before public exhibition.
Who Does It Target?
Cinema operators and film exhibitors Film distributors supplying cinemas The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) Members of the public attending cinemas
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Ensure that cinemas are properly licensed, films shown in public are appropriate for their audiences, and the public is protected from harmful or offensive film content.
Key Features
Cinema Licensing: Cinema operators must hold a valid licence to exhibit films to the public. Film Certification: Films must be submitted to NFVCB for certification before public exhibition. Age Restrictions: Films rated for specific audiences may only be shown to appropriate age groups. Local Content: Cinemas may be required to exhibit a proportion of Nigerian-produced films.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active — NFVCB now administers film certification and cinema licensing Coverage: Nationwide cinema and film exhibition sector Beneficiaries: Cinema audiences; film industry Funding: Licensing fees
How to Access
Cinema operators: obtain NFVCB cinema licence before opening Film distributors: obtain NFVCB certification for each film before distribution Age classification markings must be displayed prominently at cinemas Application method: Licensing and certification: apply to NFVCB at https://www.nfvcb.gov.ng
Important Terms
Exhibiting an uncertified film is illegal Children below the rated age for a film may not be admitted NFVCB may close cinemas found in persistent violation of the Act
Official Resources
Website: https://www.nfvcb.gov.ng Contact: National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB)
Legal Framework
Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly as the Cinematograph Act (Cap C11 LFN 2004). Operates alongside the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) Act, the Nigerian Film Corporation Act, the Copyright Act 2022, and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act. Aligns with UNESCO Convention on Cultural Diversity and WIPO Copyright Treaty provisions applicable to audiovisual works.