Why Opening Weekend Still Matters, and How to Win It
Let’s be honest: a lot has changed in the way people watch movies. Between streaming, bootlegs, and everyone claiming they’ll “catch it later,” you’d think opening weekend doesn’t mean much anymore. But here’s the truth – it matters a lot! In the film scene, the first three days of release can make or break a title. That’s not exaggeration, it’s just how the business works. Opening weekend tells audiences whether a film is worth seeing. It tells cinemas whether to keep it on schedule or swap it out by week two. It even tells the media and investors if the film is “working” or not. You’ve probably seen it happen: one film gets all the buzz on Friday night, sells out early screenings, floods your timeline with hot takes… and suddenly it’s the only movie people are talking about. That’s not by chance, but by building momentum. And momentum starts with a smart, well-timed launch. When a film has a big opening weekend, everything around it expands. It gets better showtimes, more visibility, more press and even audiences who weren’t sure about it start paying attention – because we’re wired to want to be in the room where the excitement is happening. On the flip side, if a movie drops quietly and no one shows up? It’s hard to recover from that. Nigeria’s cinema landscape is fast paced. There’s limited screen real estate, new films every weekend, and a very vocal audience. You don’t get many second chances. So how do you win the opening weekend? Firstly, start early; get people talking weeks before your premiere. Tease your visuals, drop your trailer and make it feel like something is coming. If audiences don’t see or hear about your film at least five times before it opens, you’re already behind. That doesn’t mean just posting on Instagram; it means activating your cast, influencers, press partners, and fans. Let the hype build naturally and then press the gas. Secondly, don’t underestimate the power of timing! A great movie with poor showtimes can underperform simply because it wasn’t scheduled right. Work with the cinema to lock in your peak hours; Friday night, Saturday midday, Sunday after church. That’s when your audience is actually available to show up. Thirdly, make it feel urgent. One thing that works – especially in Nigeria, is the sense that something is hot right now. Limited screenings, sold-out premieres and the right messaging. Nobody wants to feel like they missed out, and if people think they can wait, they probably will, and this is how you lose momentum. Some recent box office wins got it right. Everybody Loves Jenifa tapped into nostalgia and community to create a billion-naira cultural moment. Iyalode owned its niche, built anticipation in the Yoruba-speaking audience, with a strong, focused first weekend. Sinners blew past expectations with the right mix of community support, conversations and PR stints. At the end of the day, the opening weekend is about perception. It’s about being the film people want to be seen watching, and owning the conversation before someone else does. And yes, films still find their audience in week three – but if it doesn’t turn heads in week one, it might not get the chance.
Filmhouse Group at Cannes 2025: Elevating African Cinema on a Global Stage
At Filmhouse Group, we believe in the power of African stories and at Cannes 2025, we witnessed firsthand how those stories continue to capture the world’s imagination. This year, FilmOne Entertainment proudly participated in Cannes, the platform designed to spotlight creatives within the global film ecosystem. Held during the renowned Cannes Film Festival, The Nollywood Conversations creates space for meaningful dialogue, global networking, and the elevation of African cinema on one of the world’s most prestigious stages. Our team, with the Nigerian International Film & TV Summit (NIFS) led and engaged in strategic industry conversations, connected with international distributors, and supported the visibility of Nigerian film in a global context. With a robust slate of Nollywood titles, upcoming co-productions, and a growing network of international collaborators, FilmOne Entertainment continues to play a leading role in shaping the next chapter of African storytelling. We were particularly proud to be part of panel discussions focused on opportunities to present our African stories for global screens areas where FilmOne Entertainment is deeply invested. Cannes also provided the opportunity to explore new partnerships that will help bring African narratives to broader audiences and strengthen the pipeline from local talent to global screens. Our presence at Cannes reaffirms our mission: to champion African voices, support local talent, and create opportunities that ensure African cinema not only thrives at home but leads on the world stage. As the conversation around representation and access continues to evolve globally, Filmhouse Group remains committed to driving visibility, growth, and innovation for Nigerian and African cinema. We are building more than films. We are building a legacy.
Sinners: How Michael B. Jordan And Ryan Coogler Are Changing The Horror Narrative
Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler are a force to be reckoned with. From Fruitvale Station, based on a true-life story, to Black Panther, our own superhero dream, and now Sinners, their newest horror-thriller masterpiece, this dynamic duo keeps proving they’re not here to play. Michael B. Jordan is a class act and Ryan Coogler is a genius. The way they move individually is powerful, but together? Unstoppable. Beyond their incredible track record, it’s the brotherhood they share that stands out: two Black men holding each other up, making waves side by side, and telling stories that reflect us, challenge us, and stay with us. Sinners follows Smoke and Stack, identical twin brothers who return to their hometown hoping for a fresh start. But instead, they face supernatural forces that bring their past, their pain, and their bond into sharp focus. It’s intense, it’s layered, and it has got that signature Jordan-Coogler touch: authentic, bold, and deeply human. But what makes Sinners different from your typical horror film is how it leans into the why behind the fear. Horror, at its best, is never just about jump scares or gore, it is about metaphor. It is about the monsters we carry, the traumas we bury, and the truths we run from. The film draws on the classic vampire style and is interwoven with history set in the Jim Crow era of the 1930s with powerful music and one detail stands out: vampires must always be invited in. It’s such a small rule, but it speaks volumes. Historically, it’s a symbol of consent, vulnerability, and the dangers of opening ourselves to the unknown. In Sinners, this idea transforms what happens when the thing you let in isn’t just supernatural, but something you’ve been running from all your life? This reimagining isn’t just clever it’s powerful. Especially in a genre that has often sidelined Black characters or portrayed them in a negative light. Jordan and Coogler flip that script. They centre Blackness, complexity, and kinship. They show that horror can be personal, poetic and spiritual all at once. Since its release in West Africa less than two weeks ago, Sinners has earned over ₦300 million and counting an extraordinary feat for any film, but especially for one in the horror genre. Horror has traditionally been underrepresented at African box offices, often considered niche or too culturally specific. But Sinners is different. It proves there’s an appetite for elevated, Black-led horror that resonates with us. Compared to other horror titles released in the region, Sinners is already outperforming expectations both in revenue and resonance. It’s not just selling tickets; it’s starting conversations. And that’s the power of storytelling when it’s done with heart, purpose, and vision. Jordan and Coogler are changing the game. Their films aren’t just visually stunning they are emotionally rich. They create space for complexity. For Black men to be soft and strong. For community, for struggle, for love, and for resilience. They’re shifting the culture, opening doors, and reminding us all that when we own our narratives and collaborate with those who see us, we create magic. Sinners isn’t just another film. It’s a statement. And once again, Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler are leading the charge. As Kendrick Lamar would say ‘’ I am a sinner who’s probably gonna sin again Lord forgive me, Lord forgive me for things I don’t understand.’’
Cinema Snacks 101: The Best Bites For The Big Screen
Where It All Began What’s a movie at the cinema without popcorn? It’s been a staple since the introduction of sound movies in 1927, and here we are, 98 years later, still enjoying it during every movie. Popcorn is affordable, smells irresistible, and of course, is easy to eat. Popcorn and cinema go together and complete every movie moment. The Worst Cinema Snacks As much as there are a ton of delicious foods out there, some just aren’t cut out for the cinema experience. For example, ribs. Sure, they’re mouth-watering, but they’re a mess with that sticky sauce that’s impossible to manage in the dark. Then there’s stew. It’s flavorful and comforting, but with the strong spices and potential for spills, it’s not exactly ideal for a movie theater. And let’s not forget pasta. They are fun to eat, but the sauce can splatter and create chaos—and no one wants to deal with that during a movie. The Best Cinema Snacks Luckily, there are plenty of snacks that are just as tasty as popcorn but won’t create a mess or make a scene. Here are five movie snacks that are easy to enjoy without the hassle: Enjoy Kravings By Filmhouse If you’re looking to upgrade your movie experience, check out Kravings by Filmhouse for the best movie snacks now available in all our cinemas in Nigeria. Also, you can order our delicious movie snacks on Glovo and Chowdeck. We’ve got shawarmas, hot dogs, chicken and chips, parfaits, slushies, ice cream, and more to make your cinema snack game stronger than ever. Next time you’re at the cinema, treat yourself to something new!
Home Screens vs Giant Screens: Can Streaming Platforms Compete with IMAX?
As a movie lover, you probably enjoy the convenience of watching your favourite movies from home. But can it compare to the immersive experience of watching movies on the big screen? Here are the pros and cons of watching movies on streaming platforms compared to watching them on the IMAX screen. To Stream Or Not To Stream? The variety of movies and series available on streaming platforms make them a premium choice for entertainment in Nigeria. Compared to the limited number of movies available on IMAX screens, streaming platforms are a better choice for the variety they provide. Additionally, for movie enthusiasts with busy schedules, it’s the most convenient option for quick entertainment. Considering the affordable subscription plans for streaming platforms here in Nigeria, you may agree that you’ll get more value for your money when you watch movies online. Compared to the price of one movie ticket, these platforms win this round in affordability. However, IMAX cinemas offer a social experience that brings movie lovers together to share their thoughts and reactions on movies. There is still a case for watching movies in cinemas, especially those with IMAX screens. With IMAX, you get to watch movies exactly the way the filmmakers intended. “With IMAX, you get to watch movies exactly the way the filmmakers intended.” Why IMAX is Better Than Streaming Platforms for Movie Lovers IMAX films offer: What’s Showing On IMAX This Month Captain America: Brave New World Experience action like never before as Sam Wilson faces new threats and political turmoil as he forges his legacy as Captain America. Showing on IMAX screens in Lagos this February 14th. Where To Experience The IMAX Screen In Lagos Planning a movie night? Head to one of our IMAX screen cinemas for an unforgettable movie experience!