Table of Contents

Nollywood

Nollywood

Nollywood is the second-largest movie industry in the world, after Bollywood in India and before Hollywood in the United States. 1)

Started in the 1960s

The Nigerian film industry started in the 1960s with the production of traditional dramas and documentaries. 2)

Palaver

The first full-length feature film produced in Nigeria was “Palaver,” directed by Geoffrey Barkas in 1926. 3)

Bigger than Hollywood

Nollywood produces over 1,000 movies every year, which is more than Hollywood. 4)

English language

Nollywood movies are mostly produced in the English language, although some are produced in other Nigerian languages, such as Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo. 5)

Fast-paced, melodramatic storylines

Nigerian movies are known for their fast-paced, melodramatic storylines, and high emotion, which are popular with audiences around the world. 6)

Distribution

Nigerian films are distributed across the African continent and are popular with the African diaspora in Europe, North America, and elsewhere. 7)

Contributor to the Nigerian economy

Nollywood employs thousands of people, including actors, producers, directors, and crew members, making it a major contributor to the Nigerian economy. 8)

Criticized government

The Nigerian government has been criticized for not providing enough support for the film industry, including limited access to financing and inadequate infrastructure. 9)

Piracy

Piracy is a major challenge for the Nigerian film industry, with many of movies illegally copied and sold on the streets. 10)

Won awards

Nollywood movies have won several awards at international film festivals, including the African Movie Academy Awards and the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou. 11)

Growth of other African film industries

The success of Nollywood has inspired the growth of other African film industries, including those in Ghana, South Africa, and Kenya. 12)

Reflect the social and political issues

Nigerian movies often reflect the social and political issues of the country, such as corruption, poverty, and ethnic tensions. 13)

Promoting Nigerian culture and tradition

The Nigerian film industry has helped to promote Nigerian culture and tradition around the world. 14)

Source of pride

Nollywood is a source of pride for many Nigerians, who see the industry as evidence of their country's creativity and resilience. 15)