Nollywood filmmaker Niyi Akinmolayan has questioned the value of African film events and awards. He said the continent lacks unity in watching and sharing movies.
In a social media post, Akinmolayan wrote that African countries do not watch each others films. He added that neighboring nations prefer to pirate Nollywood movies instead of creating proper systems to buy and sell them.
He asked what is the point of holding many African film events and awards when people ignore each others work. Akinmolayan said he is really curious about this issue.
His statement has started talks among film lovers and industry workers across Africa. Many agree that better distribution networks could help grow the continents cinema.
Here are some comments gathered by NOLLYWOOD LIFE from X:
@ayomideajayi069 wrote: Well due to several sad reasons
1. We are very westernized and we unconsciously place the western society above us. We would rather watch their films than ours.
2. When a new tech comes out to improve our films, we are too slow to adapt, e.g: the west are adapting
@CassandraOjiugo wrote: Actually, other Africans watch our films more than we watch theirs and believe it or not, they do want to build those frameworks and do more co-productions. We just need more avenues where we can interact more and exchange ideas and solutions.
@Sherrylaika wrote : Humm we do all watch Nollywood movie, believe. And even learn from your culture through your movie ….. it will good to really celebrate our story teller, and actors and actresses. We are celebrating and proud of them … generations are watching ….
