Nollywood has achieved a historic milestone by breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest attendance at a film screening. The record was set on Saturday night at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, where over 51,000 people gathered to watch the film 'Black Market'. A Guinness World Records official confirmed the attendance figure, surpassing the previous record of 43,624 people set in 2015.
The successful record attempt was a collaborative effort between FilmOne, the film's distributor, and other stakeholders, including the Lagos State Government and corporate partners. The event featured a range of activities, including a red-carpet session, music, food, and games, which drew a large crowd of film enthusiasts. The gates opened at 2 pm, and the queues grew as more people arrived at the venue.
The film 'Black Market' tells the story of five market women caught up in a cross-border smuggling operation during a period of fuel scarcity and economic pressure. The movie was directed by Fatimah Binta Gimsay and produced by Nora Awolowo. The cast includes notable actors such as Omowunmi Dada, Lateef Adedimeji, and Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman.
Actress and producer Omowunmi Dada, whose Signet Ring Studios worked on the film, expressed her desire to recreate the experience of watching a Nigerian film with friends, relatives, and neighbors. The large gathering was not just about setting a record but also about promoting a sense of community and social bonding.
The event was attended by several notable personalities, including Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, actor Gabriel Afolayan, actress Tomi Ojo, and comedian Real Warri Pikin. The turnout surpassed the 50,000-person target set by the filmmakers when they announced the record attempt.
The Guinness World Records official announced the attendance figure at Tafawa Balewa Square on Saturday night, confirming that the screening had exceeded the previous record. FilmOne also announced the result in a statement shared on its social media platforms, saying "51,000+ people. One screen. One moment that just made history."
The new record is a significant achievement for Nollywood, showcasing its growing popularity and influence. The film 'Black Market' is a product of Rixel Studios, Signet Ring Studios, and FilmOne Studios, with FilmOne handling distribution. The screening was supported by the Lagos State Government and corporate partners, demonstrating the potential for collaboration and innovation in the Nigerian film industry.
Key points
- Nollywood sets new Guinness World Record with 51,000 attendees at 'Black Market' screening.
- The record attempt was a collaborative effort between FilmOne and other stakeholders.
- The film 'Black Market' promotes a sense of community and social bonding among attendees.
