The Future of Nollywood: Our Stories, Our Growth, Our Time
The Nigerian film industry also known as Nollywood has come a long way from the days of the ’90s when stars like Genevieve Nnaji, Stella Damasus, Eucharia Anunobi, Segun Arinze, and Ramsey Nouah were the names everyone knew, to now, when our industry is the third-largest film industry in the world. It has been a journey full of creativity and resilience. We still remember how quickly films were made back then, with whatever resources were on hand. Things have changed a lot since then our stories have gotten richer, production quality has improved, and streaming platforms investing in Nigerian content have finally put us on the global map. That growth is amazing, but it also brings new challenges and opportunities for all of us in the industry. So, if you are a filmmaker or creative trying to navigate Nollywood’s future, here are some tips to help you stay ahead and thrive: 1. Use Digital Platforms to Your Advantage Streaming services like Showmax are hungry for real Nigerian stories. Don’t just think of them as places to show your films. Use social media and analytics to engage your audience and grow your reach. 2. Focus on Quality Storytelling and Production Today’s viewers expect more. Better scripts, clearer sound, sharper visuals. You don’t need a huge budget to improve your film; simple things like a good microphone or editing software can make a huge difference. 3. Protect Your Work from Piracy Piracy still steals from us. Use tools like digital rights management, watermark your films, and register your work properly. Building good relationships with streaming platforms can also help keep your content safe. 4. Network Beyond the Usual Circles Collaboration will always be key. Go to film festivals, webinars, and industry events to meet new people both at home and abroad. These connections can open doors for co-productions, funding, and more distribution opportunities. 5. Keep Learning and Embrace Innovation The digital age gives us powerful tools to tell authentic, bold stories to the world. Stay up to date with things like virtual production and AI editing and keep improving your skills through workshops and courses. Yes, we still face challenges like piracy and infrastructure gaps. But Nollywood is full of resilience and creativity just like that Nigerian spirit that refuses to quit. We always find a way to make magic happen. The future of Nollywood is bright, but it’s not just the industry’s future, it’s ours too. We are excited to see where we will take it next, and we hope you are too.
Filmhouse Group at Cannes 2025: Elevating African Cinema on a Global Stage
At Filmhouse Group, we believe in the power of African stories and at Cannes 2025, we witnessed firsthand how those stories continue to capture the world’s imagination. This year, FilmOne Entertainment proudly participated in Cannes, the platform designed to spotlight creatives within the global film ecosystem. Held during the renowned Cannes Film Festival, The Nollywood Conversations creates space for meaningful dialogue, global networking, and the elevation of African cinema on one of the world’s most prestigious stages. Our team, with the Nigerian International Film & TV Summit (NIFS) led and engaged in strategic industry conversations, connected with international distributors, and supported the visibility of Nigerian film in a global context. With a robust slate of Nollywood titles, upcoming co-productions, and a growing network of international collaborators, FilmOne Entertainment continues to play a leading role in shaping the next chapter of African storytelling. We were particularly proud to be part of panel discussions focused on opportunities to present our African stories for global screens areas where FilmOne Entertainment is deeply invested. Cannes also provided the opportunity to explore new partnerships that will help bring African narratives to broader audiences and strengthen the pipeline from local talent to global screens. Our presence at Cannes reaffirms our mission: to champion African voices, support local talent, and create opportunities that ensure African cinema not only thrives at home but leads on the world stage. As the conversation around representation and access continues to evolve globally, Filmhouse Group remains committed to driving visibility, growth, and innovation for Nigerian and African cinema. We are building more than films. We are building a legacy.