NFVCB Moves To Take Nollywood To China As Board Meets China Film Administration

By Stella Okocha 

The National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB, is pushing to expand Nollywood’s footprint in China through strategic partnership with the China Film Administration.

The move was discussed when a delegation from China Film Administration led by Mr. Bai Yimin, Chairman of HuaXia Film Distribution Ltd., visited the Board’s office in Abuja.

Executive Director/CEO of NFVCB, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, said the Board is ready to deepen collaboration with Chinese stakeholders to facilitate distribution of Nigerian films, particularly Nollywood productions, across China, while creating opportunities for wider distribution of Chinese films in Nigeria.

According to him, international partnerships will expand Nollywood’s global reach, open new commercial opportunities for filmmakers and distributors, and promote cultural exchange and economic growth through cinema.

Husseini however stressed that all distribution arrangements involving Nigerian market must comply with regulatory framework, urging the Chinese delegation to engage only duly registered distribution companies and seek clarification from the Board on registration status of prospective partners.

Discussions focused on theatrical distribution, licensing arrangements, regulatory cooperation and technical expertise exchange, with both sides exploring ways to improve market access.

The meeting also highlighted need for transparent and efficient licensing and rights-acquisition processes to facilitate legitimate cross-border distribution, protect intellectual property and minimise barriers to international market access.

Husseini requested support from Chinese delegation for modern film classification infrastructure to strengthen Board’s operational capacity, noting that technical cooperation would help build institutional capacity in industry increasingly shaped by technology.

Both sides also addressed emerging challenges in global film regulation, particularly influence of Artificial Intelligence, digital distribution platforms and circulation of unclassified films online, stressing need for closer cooperation to promote responsible content distribution and IP protection.

In his remarks, Mr. Bai Yimin expressed willingness to explore practical avenues for strengthening film distribution between both countries, highlighting potential for cooperation to expand market access and deepen bilateral engagement through cinema.

The Chinese delegation invited Dr. Husseini to visit China for further engagement on areas of mutual interest, including film distribution, licensing, classification, technological advancement and professional knowledge exchange.

Other members of the Chinese delegation were Mr. Xu Yang and Mr. Shang Xiao Meng of China Film Distribution, Mr. Yang Gang, CEO of Tai Ge Film Company, and Mr. Luo Gaocheng of Tiger Pictures Entertainment.

The meeting, facilitated by veteran filmmaker and Convener of Abuja International Film Festival, Mr. Fidelis Duker, was attended by NFVCB management team.