Actor questions witchcraft and money ritual narratives in films, cites lack of real-world evidence
Veteran Yoruba filmmaker Sunny Alli has sparked renewed conversation around storytelling in Nollywood after openly expressing doubt about the realism of popular witchcraft and money ritual themes often portrayed in movies.
Speaking during a Wednesday episode of Oyinmomo, published on the show’s YouTube channel, Alli discussed his approach to scriptwriting, his personal beliefs, and why he deliberately avoids certain supernatural subjects in his work.
“Who went there?” — questioning witchcraft portrayals
Alli argued that many witchcraft-related storylines lack credible grounding in real-life experience and should not be treated as factual in film narratives.
“There are some lines that can never be in my scripts. Like witch meetings, I feel it is not realistic because we do not know if it is true. No one has experienced it. Do they rent a hall? Some even say they wear red clothes. Who went there?” he asked.
He further challenged the idea that such depictions are based on documented evidence, pointing out what he sees as gaps in how these stories are constructed in cinema.
“Who is the witch that documented everything? How do witches even look? I can write about hit-and-run because it is real. Those are things people experience,” he said.
For Alli, the distinction lies in grounding storytelling in observable human experiences rather than folklore or unverified beliefs.
Money rituals dismissed as illogical narratives
The actor also took aim at the recurring Nollywood theme of money rituals, saying the concept does not withstand logical questioning.
“I always say I do not believe in money rituals because I once asked them a question. They said a demon brings money. Does the demon have a printing machine? Will it steal money from the Central Bank of Nigeria or a Bureau de Change?” he said.
According to him, attempts to justify such beliefs often shift when questioned critically.
“I asked them, and they were confused, so they came up with another myth that the money comes through a contract that the person did not even bid for. I love realistic scripts. I do not believe in money rituals,” he added.
His remarks reflect a broader creative preference for grounded narratives, even within an industry where supernatural and spiritual themes remain commercially popular.
From gambling to personal reflection
Beyond his critique of film tropes, Alli also shared a personal detail about his past involvement in football betting, noting that he has since left the habit behind.
“I used to bet before. I mean football betting, but God does not support it. We thank God it is now in the past,” he said.
A familiar face in Yoruba cinema
Alli, a founding member of the Odunfa Caucus, remains one of the recognisable figures in the Yoruba-language film sector. Over the years, he has built a reputation for emotionally driven performances and contributions both in front of and behind the camera as an actor, director, and producer.