Nollywood has had a chance at filmmaking for a while now yet, arguably, it can seem to get its act right with respect to producing films of high caliber that can stand against its Western counterparts. Ghanains who are still relatively new at film making show signs of “getting it” and taking Africa cinema to a much higher level and on par with the West. So, is Nollywood ruining Africa’s film industry?
” . . . Nollywood makes billions of dollars and has become the staple entertainment for millions across the continent. But some believe mass production is compromising standards.
What do you think? Is Nollywood ruining Africa’s young film industry? Do you watch Nollywood films and if so why? If not, why not? Do you think Africa’s film industry would be taken more seriously on the global stage if it weren’t for Nollywood? Or would your life just not be the same without Nollywood films?” See what film lovers have to say here.
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if they stop the PORN they call movies…then maybe the caliber would rise or be half as respectable as bollywood
All that you have said may be true but there are exceptions. What would you say to their audience who continually purchase the films fueling the demand… many of them would undoubtedly refute your claim that all Nollywood films are boring… unconventional, yes, repetitive in terms of themes and the stories being told and the way they are told, yes, predictable, yes, but boring some are, some are not. There have been advances technologically and otherwise. What I wish to see in Nollywood is a recognition that Nigeria and other African nations possess a rich heritage and history… there is fodder for interesting stories everywhere if only a little extra effort is made. I wish to see trained individuals making use of the many advances that have been made in film making. What I don't want to see is American stories being told with an African background, using African faces with an aesthetic that is clearly American… or worse African stories being told through an American eye and some filmmakers appear to think that this is what is meant when a call for change is made in the industry. Regardless, I'd say that they continue to plod through and at the end of it, I hope, no I truly believe we will have something laudable. In the meantime… it ain't too shabby.
Oh absolutely…anybody with a hand held Hd camera is a movie producer/director. They have no creative skills and the movies they produce are third rate, inane and very very boring. Its like the industry is mired in mediocrity and yet no one seems to notice it.
The actors dont treat movies like works of art but rather a business venture. They make 6 movies a month sometimes shooting 2 movies in a day. Its a sorry state of affairs. The sooner people recognize this and act the better it will be for all of us.
Nigerian producers have now relocated to Ghana to take advantage of the talent. I hope this move bears fruit.