By By Habeeb Ibrahim
Renowned actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo has addressed the growing frustration among Nigerians in the diaspora over access to his latest blockbuster, Seven Doors.
Following delays on Netflix and a surge in piracy, Adebayo announced that the movie will be available for streaming on Circuits.tv starting December 20.
Sharing the news via social media, Adebayo said, “My people in the diaspora, your Seven Doors experience is almost here! I’ve heard your requests, and I’m excited to announce that Seven Doors will be available for streaming on Circuits.tv. Don’t keep this to yourself – spread the word!”
The announcement comes amid rising piracy, with platforms like Telegram hosting pirated versions of Seven Doors. Some fans abroad admitted resorting to illegal downloads due to limited access on Netflix.
Meanwhile, a Nigerian abroad, responding to a post about piracy, stated, “We have moved to Movie Box. Useless people.” Platforms like Movie Box, where users download movies with data, and Telegram, which has been reported to host pirated episodes of shows like Seven Doors, are becoming alternatives.
“All episodes of Seven Doors are available for download on Telegram. I confirmed it myself,” said a concerned user, adding, “Sadly, I had to watch Lisabi on Telegram after two months of waiting for Netflix. I might do the same for Seven Doors.”
Netflix, which has become a popular platform for African films, is facing backlash for its delays and limited access to Nigerian titles. According to Kayode Badmus, a journalist and critic, these gaps in service are driving viewers to illegal platforms. “Once people view on these illegal platforms, they start trusting them and look for other movies there,” he noted.
Beyond piracy, Netflix’s multiple-user policy has been flagged as contributing to revenue losses. “Nigerians have gotten comfortable using a single account for a dozen folks,” Badmus observed, suggesting Netflix tighten its account-sharing policies to minimize losses.
Femi Adebayo’s decision to partner with Circuits.tv offers a legal alternative for international viewers, preserving the movie’s revenue potential while addressing piracy concerns.
As the Nigerian film industry battles the challenges of global distribution, this move highlights the importance of timely access for audiences worldwide.
