Movie Lovers in Lagos Defy Tough Economy to Seek Big Screen Entertainment

Ebony Life Place Supervisor Austin Ihentuge said despite the tough economy in the country, many people still go to the cinema. Some movie lovers in Lagos on Monday said they still seek entertainment at cinemas despite economic hardships and technological advances that have brought entertainment to bedrooms and mobile phones.
They said the satisfaction they get from going to the cinema is so profound that it is worth the effort of spending more and getting out of the house. A trader Stanley, Okafor told reporters at the Ebony Life Place cinema in Victoria Island that he regularly goes to cinemas to relax and unwind from the challenges of life. “I find it very relaxing. In my opinion, I don’t mind spending a little more and having fun. It’s also a quiet and enjoyable place,” Okafor said.
Student Fola Jayesimi said the cinema experience was intense. “The equipment is obviously better than what we have at home. The sound quality is exciting and more traditional,” he said.

A mother who gave only her name as Edwina said she used to go to cinemas regularly until COVID-19 times.
“Before COVID-19, I used to go to cinemas regularly. Since then, I sometimes come with my children to my house and watch children’s films,” she said. But hairdresser Tricia Moka said she prefers online movie streaming which gives her privacy. “There’s no reason to spend money on a movie you can watch online,” she said.
Austin Ihentuge, supervisor at Ebony Life Place, said many people went to see movies despite the country’s tough economic situation. “There are still a lot of people here. There are other streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video, but still, many people come to the cinema.
In fact, some movies are being shown for the first time on these streaming services. Some are exclusive movies that can only be seen in cinemas for a time. “So people are going to the cinema because they usually want to see these movies first,” he said.

According to Ihentuge, people prefer to go to cinemas for the experience and satisfaction they get there. “No matter how wide your TV at home is, it may not be as big as a cinema TV. For many people, watching a movie at a cinema is a great experience,” he said.
Muoka Chibueze, supervisor at IMAX cinema in Lekki, told journalists that many people visited cinemas. Chibueze said, “No matter how bad the economic situation is, people go to cinemas to relieve stress. They want to go somewhere that gives them a different experience than watching a movie online or on TV.”
Deborah Ajayi, hall supervisor at Silverbird Cinemas, also in Victoria Island, said more people visit the establishment on public holidays than on other days. Ajayi added that there has been an overall decline in the number of people visiting the establishment following the COVID-19 pandemic.