Nollywood: How This Nigerian Film Industry Is Changing The World

Feb 19, 2023 10:00AM ● By Burns Johnson

Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry, is quickly becoming a global phenomenon. From its humble beginnings in 1992 to its current status as one of the world's most successful and influential industries, Nollywood is changing how we view filmmaking. In this article, we'll explore this fantastic industry and find out how it's revolutionizing the world of cinema.

Nollywood is the second largest film industry in the world after Bollywood in India. Nollywood produces more than 2,000 movies each year and has an estimated annual revenue of $1.2 billion, making it one of the most prolific film industries in the world. Most Nollywood films are low-budget, shot on video and released direct-to-video.

The Nigerian film industry has its roots in the country's rich oral tradition. For centuries, Nigerians have been telling stories through song and dance. This tradition continues today in Nollywood films, which often incorporate traditional music and dance into their storylines.

Today, Nollywood is a significant force in African popular culture. Nigerian films are shown all over the continent and have a growing international audience. They are also increasingly online, making them accessible to even more worldwide viewers.

Nollywood first emerged in the early 1990s, thanks to the efforts of pioneers like Kenneth Nnebue and Ola Balogun. Nnebue was the first to produce a Nigerian feature film, Living in Bondage (1992), which was an instant hit with audiences. This success paved the way for other filmmakers to produce their movies using video cameras and low budgets. These early films were shot on location without professional equipment or crews.

Social Impact of Nollywood

Nollywood, based in Nigeria, is the second-largest film industry in the world by volume. And it has a significant social impact.

The films produced by Nollywood are often very relatable to the average Nigerian. They tackle social issues and problems that Nigerians face daily. And because they're so relatable, they're often trendy.

This popularity is leading to change. Nollywood films are starting to have an impact on social norms and attitudes. They're challenging traditional values and beliefs and inspiring people to think differently about the world around them.

And a Nollywood continues to grow, its social impact will likely increase. This Nigerian film industry is changing the world – one film at a time.

Nollywood is also having an economic impact. The industry is creating jobs by employing over 200,000 people. Its films are shown in over 50 countries, bringing in foreign investment and providing a much-needed boost to the Nigerian economy.

Read about the challenges of filming in Nigeria during COVID:

NO MORE KISSING ON MOVIES SET: A director’s guide

After the lockdowns were eased in Nigeria, moviemakers rushed to restart productions stalled by the pandemic. Filmmaking in Africa's largest movie industry continues even in a pandemic, e... Read More »

Challenges Faced by Nollywood

Nollywood is the world's second-largest film industry, behind only Bollywood in India. However, despite its impressive size and reach, Nollywood faces several challenges that limit its growth and impact.

One of the biggest challenges is the need for more funding. Nigerian films are made on shoestring budgets, which limits the production value and quality of the finished product. Grant, in turn, makes it difficult for Nollywood films to compete with Hollywood blockbusters or even other regional film industries like Bollywood.

Another challenge facing Nollywood is piracy. Due to the low cost of production, Nigerian films are often pirated and sold on DVD at street markets for a fraction of their original price. Piracy hurts filmmakers financially and devalues the perception of Nigerian movies among consumers.

Finally, Nollywood also needs help with distribution. Getting Nigerian films into movie theatres outside of Africa can take time, as most distributors are more interested in acquiring foreign films that have already been proven to be popular with audiences. Additionally, many African countries need the infrastructure to support a large-scale film industry, further complicating matters.

Despite these challenges, Nollywood continues to grow and make an impact within Nigeria and worldwide. Each year, more and more people are being exposed to this vibrant and unique form of filmmaking, proving that there is still plenty of room for this young industry to grow.

The Boom of the Nigerian Movie Industry

Nollywood, as Nigeria's film industry is colloquially called, produces 1500 films each year on average. It is often regarded as the world's second-largest filmmaker. Read More »

What makes Nollywood an attractive investment?

The market size: Nigeria has over 190 million people, making it the largest market for films in Africa.

The growth potential: The Nigerian economy is expected to grow at a rate of 7% per year over the next decade, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. This growth will lead to an increase in demand for entertainment, including movies.

The untapped potential: Nollywood is still a relatively new industry with immense untapped potential. There is still room for growth regarding production values and distribution channels.

The favourable demographics: Nigeria has a young population with a growing middle class. This demographic is more likely to spend money on entertainment and leisure activities such as movies.

In conclusion, Nollywood is a vibrant and exciting industry that has unprecedentedly impacted the film world. Its unique storytelling style and unrivalled production values have earned it both local and international acclaim, with fans worldwide. Whether you're looking for a heartwarming drama or an action-packed thriller, this rapidly growing Nigerian film industry has something to offer everyone.

Must-See Black Movies in 2023

When it comes to Black films we’re definitely supporting one-hundred percent! Read More »

Immanuel Burns Johnson is a young and dedicated social media personnel. He was born, raised and schooled in Lagos, Nigeria. His hobbies include traveling, sports, political criticism and mobile games like C.O.D.M. Apart from these; he is also interested in skydiving and aeronautics. He is skilled in web coding and has a trait of hard work. This has helped him become successful in his field at a young age.

Read more from Burns Johnson: