The United Nations (WIPO) hosted Kunle Afolayan and his film “THE C.E.O” to a panel of UN Member States’ diplomats to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the Nigerian film industry in Geneva. 

In an unprecedented invitation of humbling proportion, The United Nations (WIPO) yesterday hosted Kunle Afolayan and his film “THE C.E.O” to a panel of UN Member States’ diplomats to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the Nigerian film industry in Geneva.

The summons emerged against the backdrop of Nigeria’s recent decision to implement various international copyright treaties to try try and reinforce the rights of creative authors, producers, actors, etc. and try and be more legally effective against the scourge of piracy.

In a week-long negotiation between UN Member States’ diplomats that began on the 11th of November 2017, the panel discussed the challenges on what to do about copyright protection worldwide.

The panel was attended by other eminent Nigerians: Fedilia Akuabata Njeze, Tonye Princewill, Mr. Akpan of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Prof. Bankole Sodipo and Mr. Bertrand Moullier (Senior Advisor International Affairs. International Federation of Film Producers Associations).

The purpose of the panel was to explain to decision makers what they need as a creative producer and director to set the right kind of legal (and enforcement) infrastructure to do your business and your asset base (rights on your films) securely. In this respect, a lot of people are watching with interest what has been happening in Nigeria and this would be an opportunity to say out loud what works and what doesn’t.

A screening for Kunle Afolayan’s film, “THE C.E.O” commenced after to an an overwhelming ovation.

Watch Kunle Afolayan’s speech below: