Copyright breach allegations trail ChinnyLove Eze’s Christmas film

By Priscilla Osaje

Lily Perez Films has alleged that ‘George Hates Christmas’ produced by ChinnyLove Eze of copying key elements, including its storyline, characters and scenes of its earlier film, ‘A Kristmas to Love’

‘A Kristmas to Love’ produced by Lily Perez Films, emerged as a Top 5 family Christmas movie on YouTube following its release in December.

However, viewers later accused George Hates Christmas of copying key elements of ‘A Kristmas To Love’ including its storyline, characters and scenes.

Actor Baaj Adebule had first raised alarm about major similarities between both Christmas-themed films.

He also questioned the originality of the script of “George Hates Christmas’

However, producer Lily Perez has also called for the immediate suspension of ‘George Hates Christmas’ pending a thorough review by appropriate industry bodies.

She demanded public acknowledgement of originality, suspension of the disputed film, a formal apology, compensation and intervention by relevant industry bodies.

She said the dispute was not about rivalry, but respect for originality and intellectual labour.

“This project was born from a deeply personal story, and seeing it replicated without consent is painful and unacceptable,” Perez said.

She demanded public acknowledgement that A Kristmas to Love is the original work, warning that silence could encourage creative exploitation.

“Allowing the film to circulate while these issues remain unresolved undermines trust and fairness within Nollywood,” she said.

According to her, the demand is to address financial losses and reputational damage suffered by her production company.

“This is about justice, not vengeance. Young creatives deserve protection, not intimidation,” Perez added.

She warned that failure to act could discourage new voices and stifle creativity in the fast-growing industry.

The controversy has renewed calls for stronger copyright enforcement and better protection for emerging filmmakers in the industry.

Industry observers say the case highlights persistent power imbalances between established producers and emerging filmmakers.

As Nollywood expands its global footprint, stakeholders insist that protecting originality is essential to sustaining credibility and growth.

The public now awaits intervention from relevant authorities to ensure accountability and reaffirm respect for intellectual property rights.

(NAN)