Filmmaker and actor Deyemi Okanlawon has publicly thanked a supporter who took a stand against piracy, highlighting the severe impact piracy has on Nollywood producers. In his post, Deyemi discussed the difficulties faced by filmmakers who often lack government or financial support, making piracy a significant challenge to the industry’s survival.
One of his fans had initially considered watching a pirated version of Deyemi’s film due to financial constraints. However, another fan, identified as @l444nnu, stepped in and offered to provide free tickets to five individuals, discouraging the piracy act. Deyemi expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the fan’s generosity and how it restored his faith in the goodwill of Nigerians.
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!”.