On September 26, the Nollywood crime thriller 'Black Market' made history by drawing 51,000 qualifying viewers to Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest attendance at a film screening in a single location. This achievement surpassed the previous benchmark of 43,624 people, which was set in the Philippines in 2015. The record was announced by a Guinness World Records official after the event.
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian filmmakers Damilola Osikoya of Switch Visual Production and Nora Awolowo of Rixel Studios on this remarkable achievement. In a statement issued on September 27, Tinubu described the feat as further evidence of the exceptional talent and enterprise driving Nigeria's creative industry. He commended Osikoya, Awolowo, and the team behind the film for their creativity, ambition, and ability to execute a project on such a scale.
The President emphasized that the achievement demonstrated the potential of Nigeria's creative economy to attract global attention while creating businesses, jobs, and access to new markets. Nigeria's film, music, fashion, and other creative industries are playing an important role in projecting the country's culture and stories to international audiences. Tinubu's statement was released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu also highlighted that the record set by 'Black Market' showed what Nigerian creatives could achieve when talent was combined with enterprise and the capacity to operate on a large scale. He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to creating opportunities for young Nigerians to transform their talents into sustainable livelihoods and globally competitive businesses.
The film 'Black Market' was directed by Fatimah Binta Gimsay and screened before more than 51,000 qualifying viewers at Tafawa Balewa Square. The filmmakers and their team have been congratulated by the President and others for their hard work and dedication. The achievement is seen as a significant milestone for Nigeria's creative industry.
The Guinness World Record for the largest attendance at a film screening in a single location is a prestigious award that recognizes the filmmakers' ability to bring people together and create a memorable experience. The record set by 'Black Market' is a testament to the power of Nigerian creativity and innovation.
President Tinubu concluded by congratulating everyone involved in the production and record-setting screening of the film and wished the filmmakers and their team greater success in future endeavors. The achievement of 'Black Market' is expected to inspire other Nigerian filmmakers to strive for excellence and push the boundaries of what is possible in the creative industry.
Key points
- The film 'Black Market' set a new Guinness World Record for the largest attendance at a film screening in a single location, drawing 51,000 qualifying viewers.
- President Bola Tinubu congratulated the filmmakers, Damilola Osikoya and Nora Awolowo, on their remarkable achievement.
- The achievement demonstrates the potential of Nigeria's creative economy to attract global attention and create businesses, jobs, and access to new markets.
