From Shoestring Budgets to Global Recognition
For years, Nollywood, the energetic film hub based in Lagos, has been churning out an astonishing number of films daily – reportedly up to five. These productions, often characterized by their rapid production cycles and modest budgets, have captivated Nigerian audiences with their narratives centered on themes of love, poverty, religion, and corruption, frequently interwoven with elements of the supernatural and the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity.
Despite its remarkable output, Nigerian producers have acknowledged the ongoing challenge of reaching broader international audiences beyond the diaspora. However, the selection of "My Father's Shadow" at Cannes, the very epicenter of arthouse cinema, suggests a turning tide. "Getting into competition for the first time ever shows that Nigerian cinema has come of age," asserted Prince Baba Agba, a cultural advisor to President Bola Tinubu, who is present in Cannes for the film's premiere.
"My Father's Shadow": A Nation's Turning Point on Screen
Akinola Davies Jr.'s poignant first feature film delves into a pivotal moment in Nigeria's recent history: the 1993 coup. This period saw the military's annulment of the election, ultimately leading to General Sani Abacha's rise to power. Davies describes this "lost chance" as a moment when "the rug was pulled away and everyone’s dreams of democracy were just taken away," an event whose impact continues to resonate within the nation.
The semi-autobiographical narrative follows two young boys navigating the unfolding coup in Lagos through their father's eyes. Featuring Sope Dirisu, known for his role in "Gangs of London," the film offers a personal perspective on a significant national event.
Beyond a "Unicorn": Nollywood's Growing International Footprint
Prince Baba Agba emphasized that "My Father's Shadow"'s Cannes selection is not an isolated success. He highlighted the increasing international recognition of Nigerian cinema, citing Editi Effiong’s crime thriller "The Black Book," which topped global Netflix charts, including reaching number one in South Korea, last year. He also pointed to "Shine Your Eyes," a hit at the Berlin film festival, and "Eyimofe (This Is My Desire)," which has been acquired by the prestigious Criterion Collection.
"It was fully shot in Nigeria, with Nigerian producers, Nigerian finance, everything," Agba proudly stated, underscoring the growing capacity and quality within the industry. "We are still making an awful lot of films, but now in all the strata, from the bottom to the top," he added, noting the spectrum of productions ranging from million-dollar ventures to smaller, independently funded projects, all contributing unique Nigerian stories.
Promising Developments and Lingering Challenges
Agba believes that upcoming tax breaks for filmmakers, currently under parliamentary review, could be a "gamechanger," further propelling Nollywood's international reach, particularly through streaming platforms and co-productions. The entry of major US streaming services during the pandemic, with Netflix acquiring titles like "Blood Sisters," "Man of God," and "Ayinla," alongside the growth of local streaming platforms, especially Kannywood in the northern region, indicates a shifting landscape.
However, the industry has faced recent setbacks, including Amazon's closure of its Africa operations. Netflix has also reportedly scaled back its activities, although officially it maintains its operations. This creates an opportunity for local players like the Ebonylife Group, a Nollywood powerhouse, which is poised to launch its own streaming platform. "We will start small and we will build… We can’t keep waiting on everyone else to do this for us," affirmed its founder, Mo Abudu, who is also establishing a Nigerian cultural hub in London.
Agba acknowledged the "big technological and infrastructure challenges" facing Nollywood, particularly concerning mobile networks, as a significant portion of film consumption occurs on phones. However, he noted progress in expanding cinema infrastructure. "We hope to double our (cinema) screens to 300. Brazil, with a similar population, has over 3,000," he pointed out, indicating the potential for further growth.
Nollywood's Soft Power and Global Influence
Alongside Afrobeats music, Nollywood stands as a significant source of Nigeria's soft power, projecting its culture and stories onto the global stage. A testament to its increasing influence is the recent recognition of Mo Abudu, who topped The Hollywood Reporter’s "40 Most Influential Women in International Film" list on the eve of the Cannes Film Festival, solidifying Nollywood's rising prominence in the global film landscape.