In an interview with Saturday Beats, the actress praised the strides Nigerian filmmakers have made in recent years, noting that the quality of production and storytelling continues to improve. However, she cautioned that without a sustainable economic model, the industry’s progress could stall.
“I must commend a lot of filmmakers right now; we’re all pushing the bar higher,” Irele said. “We definitely need more emotionally driven stories, but we also can’t dismiss those who focus on commercial success. At the end of the day, the industry has to generate money to keep going.”
The actress observed that the rise of streaming platforms has significantly influenced how Nigerian filmmakers craft their stories and engage audiences. With many viewers now opting for the comfort of home entertainment, Irele believes producers must create content that offers value beyond convenience.
“Not everyone wants to go to the cinemas anymore, especially with streaming taking over,” she explained. “We have to make movies that make people laugh, unwind, and enjoy themselves, because that’s what a lot of viewers are looking for.”
Still, she emphasized the importance of maintaining emotional and thought-provoking narratives, describing them as the soul of filmmaking. For Irele, true progress in Nollywood will come from achieving a healthy blend of commercial viability and artistic authenticity.