When news got out that International streaming platform, Netflix had acquired Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji’s directorial debut, Lion Heart, many
When news got out that International streaming platform, Netflix had acquired Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji’s directorial debut, Lion Heart, many were thrilled. The acquisition made the film, the first Nollywood film to achieve such a feat and everyone could not wait to watch the film that had gained such international buzz and acclaim as it even went on to premiere at the 2018 TIFF festival in Toronto.
In what can be described as the best way to kick start the New Year, it was announced that ‘Lionheart’ is coming home to make its cinematic debut in Nigeria come January 4. As soon as this debut date was announced, many Nigerians eagerly anticipated the film despite the allegations that there was a ploy to prevent it from showing in cinemas by major distribution companies. In what appears to buttress Nnaji’s allegation of a ploy, some major online platforms have released the pirated copies of the movie prior to its cinematic debut.
Research also shows that some of these sites already had pirated copies of the film days before its official release. A quick check showed a particular site had released a pirated copy of the film on December 30, 2018. The film is currently being distributed on various online media platforms for streaming and download. Piracy is one that many artisans have constantly complained about with many entertainers making reference to the adverse effect of piracy on their trade.
