Nollywood refers to the Nigerian movie industry, which has become one of the largest and most influential film industries in the world.
The industry came into existence since early 90s when the late Alade Armoire and Kenneth Nnebue introduced the home video in the country.
The industry has grown significantly, rating the third best and most successful movie producing industry in the world with 1000s of movies released into the market weekly and monthly. The industry currently has thousands of Nigerians in different categories.
In the 1980s, the industry saw a shift towards video production due to its lower costs compared to traditional celluloid filmmaking. This period saw the rise of influential filmmakers like Eddie Ugbomah and Ola Balogun, who explored themes relevant to Nigerian society. The films of this era were often distributed on VHS tapes, making them more accessible to a wider audience.
The term “Nollywood” was coined by journalist Norimitsu Onishi in a 2002 article for The New York Times. It became widely recognized as a reference to the Nigerian film industry, drawing parallels to Hollywood and Bollywood.
The 1990s saw a surge in video productions, often characterized by low budgets, rapid production schedules, and a focus on relatable, everyday stories that resonated with local audiences.
Nollywood gained international attention in the early 2000s as the industry’s production output increased significantly. Filmmakers like Tunde Kelani, Kunle Afolayan, and Chineze Anyaene gained recognition for their contributions to Nigerian cinema. The films began to address a wider range of social and cultural issues while also improving in terms of production quality.
Nollywood is also made of actors and actresses who have made big names and wealth, and are given heroic welcome and accorded their rights as stars virtually throughout the African continent and the world. Some of the Nollywood actors also feature in Hollywood of America.
Challenges
Like most other bodies or organizations, Nollywood is not without challenges. Throughout the 2010s, Nollywood faced challenges such as issues with copyright infringement, distribution, and lack of funding for higher-quality productions.
Nollywood serves as a dumping ground for the get rich quick producers. The industry has the highest number of fake producers who are hoping to get rich quick in the lucrative video industry. The primary distribution centres for films in the country are Idumota market in Lagos Island, Iweka Road in Onitsha Anambra State, Pound Road in Abia State and Alaba market in Lagos.
Another strong factor militating against Nollywood is the fact that practitioners in the industry have to contend with factors like the marketers who have refused to develop their awkward marketing ideas. This negative trend of copying the movies and distributing them to the four points while the retailers move them around the country.
Apart from this, the marketers also call the shots in the industry. Their rise to power started when they became the first real investors in the industry investing billions in a period of over 10 years. They bank roll the movies and earn the title of executive producers, while the creative personalities who lacked the necessary funds had to bow and tremble before them.
It is also on record that these illiterate marketers have commenced dictating the scripting, who acts in movies as well as ban certain artistes who they claim were not obeying them.
Again, some of the artistes were said to be demanding high artiste fees which has not only hampered the growth of the industry but has been a stumbling block for the upcoming young artistes. Some of the marketers even tried their hands in directing movies.
The influx of African Magic, the hit station of MNET where people now prefer to watch all their desired movies, has had a bad impact on the practitioners as their revenue have dropped unimaginably.
Added to this negative factor is the uncooperative nature of some African countries. For instance, Ghana is reported to be threatening to close its market to the cascade of Nigerian movies for fear that its own productions will drown in the rush.
Contributions To National Development
So far, Nollywood has done remarkably well, though more is still expected from them. All-out efforts should be intensified to arrest piracy which has over the years, bedeviled the industry.
Inspite of the challenges, Nollywood has come of age. The Industry has grown significantly to earn a big name globally and it has achieved a lot to deserve a big commendation.
Currently, all Nollywood movies are produced using Digital video Technology. Nigeria’s film industry is rated the third largest in the world in terms of earnings. It presently has estimated earnings of over $500 million dollars yearly.
It is also on record that even international festivals in Montreal, Berlin, Rotterdam and Canes have acknowledged Nollywood as a giant movie merchant.
While the first Nollywood production ever to be introduced on American DVD market, ‘Joshua’ by Adaim Williams came in late December 2005, the first Nollywood films were produced with traditional analog video such as Beta camsp.
As the decade progressed, filmmakers and industry stakeholders started placing a greater emphasis on production quality. This led to the creation of more polished and professionally made films. International collaborations and partnerships also increased, helping Nollywood gain more exposure on the global stage.
Nollywood has diversified its offerings to include a wide range of genres beyond the traditional dramas, including comedies, thrillers, and historical epics. The industry has also tackled diverse themes such as politics, religion, gender issues, and more, reflecting the complexity of Nigerian society.
The industry has in the area of employment gainfully engaged thousands of Nigerian youths who otherwise would have been unemployed.
Nollywood films have received recognition at various international film festivals and awards ceremonies. Filmmakers like Genevieve Nnaji (“Lionheart”) and Akin Omotoso (“Vaya”) have garnered attention and accolades on the global stage.
The government should also inject more funds to boost the industry and encourage younger actors to join the industry.
The relevant bodies and organisers like the African movie Academy Awards (AMAA) and other similar bodies should be commended in their efforts at rewarding excellence in the industry which will no doubt inspire the artistes, producers, directors and marketers to re-double their efforts and aspire to greater heights.
In summary, Nollywood currently stands as one of the most prolific film industries worldwide, producing thousands of films annually and entertaining audiences not only in Nigeria but also across Africa and the diaspora. It continues to evolve, adapt, and shape the cultural landscape of Nigeria and beyond. The industry has contributed immensely to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.