Actor and filmmaker Deyemi Okanlawon has expressed his appreciation to a supporter for championing the fight against piracy in the Nollywood industry.
A fan had contemplated watching a pirated version of Deyemi’s film due to financial limitations, but another fan, @l444nnu, kindly offered free tickets to five people, encouraging them to avoid piracy.
In appreciation of this gesture, Deyemi expressed that it restored his faith in the kindness and goodwill of Nigerians.
He emphasized the difficulties faced by producers, who frequently operate without government support, and the devastating impact piracy has on the industry.
He highlighted that Nollywood producers, particularly newcomers like himself, receive little to no support from the government, financial institutions, or key players in the industry.
Deyemi thanked @iamjoyessien for recognizing the detrimental effects of piracy and @l444nnu for their generosity and support, which has restored his faith in the Nigerian people.
He wrote on Instagram:
“Nollywood producers, especially newbies like myself and my wonderful partners at @bleedingartproduction who try to tell global-level stories, get next to no support from government, financial institutions (forget all that creative industry fund matter), or even industry players, and we end up spending all we have to produce these films. Yet it seems the same Nigerians we love to serve have no idea how much damage and loss their participation in piracy causes our industry.
“@iamjoyessien, thank you for understanding and learning, and @l444nnu, thank you so much for your kindness, love, and support; you have no idea how much you’ve renewed my hope in our people! I am forever grateful!”
