We seem focused on all things Nigerian this month on this site.  I figured why not discuss the Nollywood industry.  Nigerian cinema is one that started in the 60's with Ola Balogun and Hubert Ogunde but Nollywood as we know it can be laid firmly on the laps of Kenneth Nnebue of 'Living in Bondage' fame.  He found that there was a niche in the film making market that wasn't being filled and he went out of his way to fill it. 

Interestingly, this film wasn't in English rather it was in Igbo language - a language spoken by  a group of people in the South Eastern part of Nigeria.  This movie was such a success that within a few years, there were more people within the industry, producing, directing and marketing and getting the Nigerian movies into the shelves of Africans everywhere. Of course, we can also say that the reason Nollywood is easily marketed is because of the use of English language as a tool to disperse and sell culture. It is currently the third biggest film industry in the world after Hollywood and Bollywood.  Cynics are fond of asking if the bigness is based on the amount of movies produced or the money that this industry brings into the country.  That leads us to the issues plaguing the industry.

As is wont to happen -as more people get to know about a product, there often is a line of complaints that occurs.  Nollywood is not exempt from some of these complaints.  Nollywood's flaws often lies in its production, directing, casting, and themes often discussed in these movies.   Many have said, that Nollywood movies often has a misrepresentation of African and most importantly Nigerian culture.  An outsider watching Nollywood movies will believe that Nigeria is a country filled with backward people who can't talk normally (they have to shout), who believe in the power of black magic and juju, and filled with men who can't keep their trousers closed and their hands to themselves.  It is quite a scary picture to put out there of a nation that is currently notorious for many bad things including 419.  

Also with the advent of other film industries like Gollywood and Sollywood (South African movie industry) getting into the market and becoming strong competitions - many that just used to watch Nigerian movies are finding that there are often quite interesting storylines across the border which are often well produced.  But of course, my Nigerian brothers and sisters will often say that they remain number one.

They might be right.  Nigeria because of its population and its wealth is often the place to go and debut your movie.  If you can get accepted in Nigeria, you can get accepted anywhere in Africa.  Nigerians are tough critics and actually are very protective of their industry.  Fortunately, many of the newer  upcoming directors and producers particularly those in the Diaspora are doing a lot to change the perception of the industry as one that is backwards.  They are ensuring that we know that Nollywood can be the next Hollywood in terms of movies produced.

To be quite frank, they might have a point.  It will be quite remiss of me, if I do not mention that Nollywood has done a lot in terms of employement for many men and women who finished university and have no jobs.  It has made the creative arts a lucrative industry to join.  Many of our Nollywood actors and actresses earn in the millions and are doing for themselves.

I will like to conclude that if we could just cut down in the speed that we choose to produce movies, and focus a little bit more on the story, screening, casting, directing and producing - the sky will be the limit. I will like to end by saying  - Happy Independence Day Nigeria.

Great Nigerian Movies To Watch

1) Living in Bondage

2) Violated

3) The Figurine

4) Anchor Baby

5) Games Men Play

6) Jennifa

Actors and Actresses to look out for

Genevieve Nnaji

Omotola Jaleide

Ramsey Noah

Nkem Owoh

Uche Jumbo

Stephanie Okereke

Ini Edo

Kate Henshaw

Olu Jacobs

Joke Silva

Funke Akindele