Figures from the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) indicate that the top 20 films grossed a total of N266 million in the month of February. (Figures for 4 days, February 11 to February 14, are however omitted).
At an average of N8.8 million grossed daily, February gross figures would still come in lower than the N350 million recorded in the month of January and the over N600 million recorded in December.
The Breakdown
For the period spanning 1st to 7th of February, 2019, the top 20 films grossed a total of N68.2 million. “Glass” grossed N11.4 million, “Upside” grossed N10.4 million, and “Chief Daddy” rounded up the top three with a N10 million gross for the week in question.
For the weekend spanning the 8th to 10th of February, 2019, the top 20 films grossed N41.7 million.
“Cold Pursuit” grossed N10.8 million, “Escape Room” grossed N7.4 million, while “Upside” grossed N3.5 million.
Earnings by the top 20 films rebounded for the period Feb 15 to Feb 21, 2019 amounting to N89.7 million. “Alita” grossed N40.9 million, “Cold Pursuit” dipped slightly, grossing N9.8 million. “Escape Room” was the third highest grossing film, with takings of N8.4 million.
For the period spanning Feb 22 to Feb 28, 2019, total gross amounted to N67 million. “What Men Want” grossed N29.4 million, “Alita” declined slightly, grossing N8.6 million, while “Escape Room” rounds up the top three, grossing N3.3 million.
Could the elections have caused the drop?
The rescheduled elections may be a reason for the lower revenue earned. Elections were initially scheduled for Saturday, 16th of February, but got shifted. Weekends are key periods for cinemas, as individuals tend to come out in large numbers. So this may be the cause.