Good news for cinema buffs, especially families in and around Lagos Mainland and Calabar, Cross Rivers State as an ultra-modern viewing center have been opened for their comfort. This is coming after months of anticipation by the general public, courtesy of Filmhouse Limited, the first beneficiary of the Nigerian Entertainment and Creative Industry Intervention Fund. The cinema was declared open by the MD/CEO of the Bank of Industry, Ms Evelyn Oputu on December 12, 2012. In a release made available by Mr. Kene Mkparu, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of Filmhouse Limited, it was gathered that Filmhouse Surulere is located at The Leisure mall, Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Surulere, Lagos.

Mkparu said to completely provide families with a one-stop relaxation center, “we come to fill in the gap with what is obtainable in developed countries. What we have here include Digital 3D, 7.1 Digital Surround Sound (the only one in Africa, outside SA), iScream cafe brand, soul food brand, and luxury seating.”

In a related development, he said, “The Marina Resort cinema is a Filmhouse partner cinema with the Cross River State Tourism Bureau. This is the first cinema in Calabar and it’s an exquisitely sited sea-view cinema with an iScream cafe view of the Marina, soul food, luxury seating and digital surround sound.” He said Filmhouse Calabar was officially declared open by Stephen Ukpukpen, Chairman, Cross River State House Committee on Tourism at a tape-cutting ceremony and premiere of Streets of Calabar on Friday, December 21 2012.

Mkparu said, “Filmhouse set out over two years ago to redefine the Nigerian cinema space and I’m glad folks can now come and experience this re-definition – from the design of the foyer through the guest service standards to the film presentation. We aim to be the number one cinema chain in West Africa, to be a major employer of the youth and to provide a commercial home for Nollywood films (not just Hollywood ones). You simply have to come and see it, feel it and be it.”

He added, “We are currently implementing a strategic development plan to roll-out 25 cinemas over a six year period from 2012. They will be located at Surulere, Lagos, Ibadan, Calabar and Asaba. Kano, Ketu and another Asaba are coming soon among others. Our expertise is in the areas  of cinema operation, sites consultancy for cinema development and cinema project management. We are also into film distribution and content development.”

He further explained that the company management team has over 90 years combined cinema operation and development experience gained in England, Italy, USA, Spain and Nigeria. “Filmhouse has a clear and well-understood organisational structure and strives to appoint employees with requisite skills, knowledge and experience for the roles they undertake. Our cinema designs and operation style largely incorporate complementary multifarious features, including games arcade, ice cream café, food concession, toys shop, digital cinema, 3D cinema and kid’s club,” he added.

He said that apart from success driven primarily by a strong experienced management team, innovative marketing activities and impressive guest service standards, “we are committed to ensuring that an appropriate standard of corporate governance is maintained throughout the company. We pride ourselves in integrity, respect for people, trust, professionalism and pride in what we do.”