Until recently, the word ‘cinema’ was an outdated footnote in Nigeria’s entertainment history. But out of the blues, the cinemas sneaked back, taking every one by surprise.

It would be recalled that Nigerians of certain age bracket grew up on cinema houses such as Odeon, Roxy, Scala and pen in Lagos as well as Empress and Rivoli in Port Harcourt amongst others.

Most of the old boys can still remember the evenings spent in the dark confines of these cinema houses in utter bliss after being transported into other worlds through movies. Then suddenly, the cinema culture began to wane and the cinema business died out after “grasping for salvation  for many years.”

But, when everybody thought the word ‘cinema’ had been dead and buried, the cinema culture returned. Nigerians began to flock to cinemas in droved on daily basis to see the movies they offer.

In Port Harcourt, the oil rich capital city of Rivers State, Silverbird and Genesis cinema hold sway. The pull for most people is the big screen, but premieres are also a big pull for even more people because the premier showing of a movie is the first time ever it will be shown, so premiers are very exciting and a great attraction.

With this new development, we cannot deny the fact that Silverbird cinema’s pioneered the return of cinemas to Nigeria. They deserved the credit for the return, the effect of Nollywood cannot also be discounted because Nollywood was a powerful figure in the decision to bring cinema back to Nigeria.

The concept behind the Silverbird cinemas is also to bring the total American experience to Nigeria. The American experience in terms of the Interest cinema technology in America, the movies in American cinema, the sort of excitement in the air in American cinemas and all that.

Also, when people got to cinemas in the developed world, it is a family affairs unlike here that it is basically for lovers. So Silverbird cinema was also established as a resort where families can hang out in a secure atmosphere so also it its close rival and competitor, Genesis Deluxe cinemas.

Today, the cinemas pose a serious challenge to Nigerian movies producers to make better movies.  The cinemas have exposed Nigerians to quality so Nigerian movie makers have to improve on standards because  they are aware that Nigerians can now compare the aesthetic qualities of our movies and that of the developed world.