Nollywood’s Future: A Vision for Growth and Professionalism
Lagos, Nigeria – The vibrant heart of Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood, recently pulsed with intellectual discourse and forward-thinking as actress Wumi Toriola hosted a pivotal colloquium and end-of-year celebration. Held at the prestigious Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, the event, aptly themed “Future of Nollywood: Challenges and Progress,” also marked the debut of what Toriola has christened “The Genesis 1.0.” This gathering brought together a constellation of Nollywood’s leading figures, fostering a crucial dialogue on the industry’s trajectory.
The colloquium commenced with an insightful keynote address delivered by esteemed theatre scholar, Professor Mojisola Bimbo-Manuel. Professor Bimbo-Manuel issued a clear call to action for industry practitioners, emphasizing the imperative to elevate standards and solidify structures to attract substantial global and local investment. She underscored the profound influence entertainers wield, a responsibility that many may not fully comprehend. “Many children trust entertainers more than they trust their own parents,” she stated, highlighting the significant impact of their public personas.
Setting the Bar: The Need for Higher Standards
Professor Bimbo-Manuel’s address delved deeper into the necessity of establishing robust benchmarks. “There are so many people around you who shouldn’t be part of the system,” she asserted, advocating for a complete reset of industry standards. She assured attendees that substantial financial backing is available for filmmaking, but this investment hinges on the delivery of high-quality productions.
Drawing a parallel with the academic world, where stringent qualifications like a PhD and rigorous promotion criteria govern career advancement, Bimbo-Manuel lamented Nollywood’s current lack of clear entry benchmarks. She expressed optimism that younger filmmakers, by championing structure, professionalism, and an enforceable industry constitution, possess the agency to instigate transformative change within the sector.
Furthermore, the scholar addressed the critical aspect of personal conduct, particularly for actresses. She firmly stated that “actresses do not need to dress sexually to be respected,” advocating for the maintenance of positive public images. This is especially crucial given that many entertainers are parents whose children can be adversely affected by negative publicity surrounding their public figures.
Financial Prudence: Securing Nollywood’s Economic Future
The discourse then shifted to financial acumen, with expert Akorede Idowu offering vital advice to industry professionals. Idowu stressed the paramount importance of financial stability, reminding attendees that fame is ephemeral and that the “law of diminishing returns” is an inescapable reality in any career.
To mitigate this, entertainers were strongly encouraged to diversify their income streams. Suggestions included venturing into real estate, participating in savings schemes, and establishing multiple small businesses. Staying abreast of tax regulations pertinent to the entertainment sector was also highlighted as a key strategy for financial resilience.
Government Support and Global Recognition
Representing the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Bukola Agbaminoja, lauded Nollywood’s burgeoning global presence. She revealed that Lagos is currently a filming hub for several international stars, a testament to Nollywood’s increasing cultural value and reputation. Agbaminoja also announced that the Lagos State Government has been actively supporting filmmakers through grants totaling hundreds of millions of Naira.
Personal Journeys and Ethical Imperatives
Adding a personal dimension to the conversation, actress Bisola Aiyeola shared her experience within the industry. She revealed that in her 16 years of dedicated practice, she had never encountered sexual harassment, offering a contrasting perspective on some of the challenges often discussed within the industry.
The convener of the event, Wumi Toriola, reiterated the call for colleagues to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards. “Character is different from integrity,” she articulated. “People may judge me by the roles I play, but no one can say I collected money and didn’t deliver. Integrity must guide everything we do.” This sentiment resonated throughout the gathering, emphasizing the foundational importance of trust and reliability in building a sustainable and respected industry.
The distinguished event was graced by a host of other prominent personalities, including Yewande Adekoya, Dolapo Oni, Bimbo Aiyeola, Regina Chukwu, Adediwura BlarkGold, Madam Saje, Omowunmi Ajiboye, Gbenga Adeyinka, and Opeyemi Ajayi, the Managing Director of Cinemax. Their presence underscored the collective commitment of Nollywood’s elite to charting a course towards a more robust, professional, and globally competitive future.
