Kene Mkparu Sacked As Filmhouse Cinemas Boss

Kene Mkparu, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FilmHouse Cinemas has been relieved of his position by the Board of Directors of FilmHouse Cinemas and FilmOne Distribution and Production.

According to QED.ng, a top Nigerian general interest website, Mkparu was sacked on Thursday by the Board of the two companies who stated that the decision will in no way affect the growth of the company.

The statement by the Board appointing Kene Okwuosa as the interim managing director, also appreciated the good works done by Mkparu.

“We are most thankful to him for this and for the opportunity to have worked with him. He was and remains a true visionary, and we wish him all the very best in his future endeavours,” reads part of the statement signed by Okwuosa.

“Filmhouse and FilmOne are entering a new phase, thus the Board has decided to appoint new Managing Director(s) to steer the affairs of both companies.

“In the meantime, I, Kene Okwuosa will function as the interim Managing Director of Filmhouse Cinemas and Moses Babatope will function as the interim Managing Director of FilmOne Distribution and Production, pending the appointment of a substantive Managing Director.

“Contrary to the news being peddled in public domain, the Board wishes to assure everybody that the company is in good health, and there is no cause for alarm.

“I am confident that our best years lie ahead of us, and together, we will continue to build on the good works championed by Mr. Mpkaru,” the statement said.

Mkparu was a co-founder of both companies and instrumental in building them from scratch to becoming the leading cinema chain, theatrical distributor and production company group in Nigeria.

He started his cinema career with Odeon Cinemas in the United Kingdom, rising to become the first black assistant manager.

Mkparu moved back to Nigeria in 2008 with some colleagues from Odeon Cinemas UK, and together, they set up Genesis Deluxe Cinemas.

In 2010, he left Genesis Deluxe Cinemas to co-found Filmhouse Cinemas and FilmOne Distribution with Moses Babatope, and in December 2012, they launched the first Filmhouse Cinema in Surulere, Lagos.

In 2016, Mkparu and Babatope launched the first IMAX theatre in Nigeria.

As FilmHouse boss, Mkparu executive produced films such as “The Wedding Party” and “Lunchtime Heroes.” 

In 2017, he appeared in Omoni Oboli’s movie, “Wives on Strike: The Revolution.”