During a panel session at AFRIFF on Monday, the acclaimed actor highlighted the necessity for improved filmmaking quality within the industry.
At 32 years old, Boyega, who gained international recognition through the 'Star Wars' sequel trilogy, also pointed out the significance of international partnerships.
He advocated for the establishment of workshops and educational opportunities to advance the industry and called for increased support from the federal government for Nollywood.
“Unfortunately, the filmmaking is not at the level it needs to be. Everybody has to be a student and collaborate at this point, we need to collaborate. To collaborate, both the international and Nigerian filmmakers need to be humble,” he said.
“We also need to raise the standards. I want to see a Nigerian franchise that can make a billion naira at the global box.
“I want us to be the main place at the mainstream but we do need to improve the quality of filmmaking here.
“This then leads to opportunities like workshops that provide opportunities for people to learn. We also need government’s support. The most important thing now is we need to change our mind. We need to raise the standards.”
Boyega drew on the success of international films, specifically citing the achievements of Marvel's Avengers and Black Panther.
“The new standard should be if I enjoy Avengers and Marvel, why not in Nigeria? Why can’t we have those kinds of movies here? We saw the way Black Panther went down in the global box,” he said.
“How much money they made imitating you but why can’t we do that for ourselves? I think it means getting off our high horses and everyone becoming a student.”
Boyega also suggested that directors and producers adopt a more inclusive mindset, embrace organizational restructuring, conduct comprehensive research, and foster an environment that encourages constructive feedback.
“Also, Nollywood directors and producers have to open up their minds to a structural change. We need a structural change,” he added.
“If you think you have put a film together and you haven’t done research for the dialogue to be authentic, the extracurricular research outside of the role to see how the character will talk and walk.
“Trust me, you are not there yet and it is important for someone to tell you at this level that you are not there yet because how are you going to reach your full potential?
“… So we need to think about how we can collaborate to create change.”
John Adedayo B. Boyega, known professionally as Boyega, was born on March 17, 1992, in London to Nigerian parents. He visited Nigeria twice last year.
Boyega began his acting career in primary school and gained prominence in the United Kingdom for his portrayal of Moses in the 2011 science fiction comedy film “Attack the Block.”
He subsequently played the role of Finn in the 2015 film “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and its 2017 sequel, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” Boyega’s other notable credits include the historical drama film “Detroit” (2017), the science fiction film “Pacific Rim: Uprising” (2018), four episodes of the television series “24: Live Another Day,” and the drama “Imperial Dreams” (2014).
In recognition of his talent and achievements, Mr. Boyega was honored with the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2016.