NFVCB seeks Chinese support for film classification, Nollywood market access
The National Film and Video Censors Board has sought support from Chinese film industry stakeholders for modern film classification equipment as Nigeria moves to expand Nollywood’s access to the Chinese market.
The board also wants stronger regulatory cooperation and improved distribution opportunities for Nigerian and Chinese films, particularly as artificial intelligence and digital platforms reshape the global film industry.
The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NFVCB, Dr Shaibu Husseini, made the requests during a meeting with a delegation from the China Film Administration at the board’s office in Abuja.
In a statement on Thursday, the board said discussions focused on film distribution, licensing, intellectual property protection, regulatory cooperation and technical knowledge exchange between both countries.
Husseini reaffirmed the board’s readiness to collaborate with Chinese industry stakeholders to facilitate the distribution of Nollywood productions in China while creating opportunities for Chinese films to reach Nigerian audiences.
He said international partnerships could expand the global reach of Nigerian films, create commercial opportunities for filmmakers and distributors, and promote cultural exchange.
However, Husseini stressed that foreign companies seeking to distribute films in Nigeria must comply with the country’s regulatory requirements.
He urged the Chinese delegation to work only with duly registered Nigerian distribution companies and consult the board to verify the registration and regulatory status of prospective local partners.
The board said the discussions also examined ways to simplify legitimate cross-border film distribution through transparent licensing and rights-acquisition processes, while protecting intellectual property and reducing barriers to market access.
Husseini asked the Chinese delegation to support the board with modern film classification infrastructure to strengthen its operational capacity and improve the discharge of its statutory responsibilities.
He noted that technical cooperation and knowledge exchange would help the agency respond to technological changes affecting film production, distribution and regulation.
The meeting also addressed challenges associated with artificial intelligence, digital distribution platforms and the circulation of unclassified films online.
Both sides discussed the need for closer regulatory engagement to promote responsible content distribution, protect intellectual property and improve compliance with classification requirements in their respective markets.
The delegation was led by Bai Yimin, Chairman of HuaXia Film Distribution Ltd. Co., who expressed willingness to explore practical ways of expanding film circulation between Nigeria and China.
The delegation also included Xu Yang and Shang Xiao Meng of China Film Distribution; Yang Gang, Chief Executive Officer of Tai Ge Film Company; and Luo Gaocheng of Tiger Pictures Entertainment.
To advance the discussions, the Chinese delegation invited Husseini to visit China for further talks on film distribution, licensing, classification, technological development and professional knowledge exchange.
The proposed visit is expected to build on the Abuja meeting and explore possible frameworks for cooperation between stakeholders in both countries.
The engagement was facilitated by veteran filmmaker and Convener of the Abuja International Film Festival, Fidelis Duker, and attended by members of the NFVCB management team.
