5 areas we want to see fixed in Nollywood in 2018

Movie lovers started off 2017, basking in the aftermath of a successful 2016 that promised a future that looks nothing like the previous underwhelming years.

Unfortunately, half way into 2017, we discovered that the promised collective growth is still elusive, as we had to painfully sit through a long list of average, cinema cash grabs.

It's the first month of 2018, and as usual, we have a wish list for Nollywood.

Here are five things we want to see in Nollywood this new year.

1. Diverse Genres

"Shaitan" is directed by Abba T. Makama, who helmed the critically acclaimed "Green White Green,"

Diversity in Nollywood has been a huge topic of conversation, especially on the heels of the continuous success of comedy films and 'flop' of other genres.

It would be misguided to say that there hasn't been a well made different genre in a while, as films like "Something Wicked," "King Invincible,"  "Ojukokoro" and "The Arbitration" are there to applaud.

But the proportion of badly made comedy movies is on the rise.

In 2018, it would be refreshing to see Nollywood invest in diverse genres, and in turn, discover fresh audience members.

2. Reliable award platforms 

  Desmond Elliot, Ramsey Nouah, Genevieve Nnaji and RMD at the 2016 AMVCA
(Instagram/Genevieve Nnaji)

 

Except for the Africa Movie Academy Awards, the Nigerian film industry runs largely on fan-voted awards that give the audience the power to decide winners like Best Actor and Best Movie.

Since most fans are not always great at knowing what elements determine a good actor or film, works of questionable artistic quality are eventually rewarded.

There are also several awards that, for instance, nominate an actor without stating the movie that earned him/her the spot, nominate or even award an actor that has been absent from the screen for as far back as four years, or run an award show without a transparent submission process.

Hopefully, in 2018, the ridiculousness that comes with most movie awards will be fixed.

3. Pay more attention to sexual harassment allegations

Screenshot of Foluke Daramola and Yemi Solade's reaction to Lawal Dolapo's claims of sexual assault

 

Shortly after multiple women accused Hollywood power player Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault, few people came forward with their experiences in Nollywood.

But the opportunity to fix a culture of abuse that has been swept under the rug for decades was missed, as alleged victims were discouraged and asked questions such as "what do you want to achieve with this?'

Normalization of sexual harassment in Nollywood is simply a reflection of a society, which over years, has tolerated an array of improper conduct, especially, from the men.

In 2018, it is crucial that Nollywood steps out of its comfort zone to have this long overdue conversation about sexual harassment.

4. Bigger opportunities for up-and-coming actors

Bimbo Ademoye

 

Every year, the Nigerian film industry introduces at least one breakout star. In  2014, it was Adesua Etomi, in 2016, it was Somkele Idhalama, and in 2017, it was a struggle.

The absence of a pronounced breakout star simply highlights several harsh realities; Nollywood is still recycling old actors and there are not a lot of risk-taking filmmakers willing to cast unknown faces.

There are quite a number of talented actors working hard to land a breakout role on the big screen, and in 2018, it would be refreshing to see these actors get a chance to display their craft.

5. Better marketing campaigns for movies

The 2016 movie Isoken had a recommendable marketing campaign

 

There is a new Nollywood movie set for cinema release sometime this February. Unfortunately, you know nothing about it or the people behind it.

The success or failure of the marketing campaign of a movie will have a huge impact on the commercial success of the film.

While not every filmmaker can afford campaigns that include billboards and TV adverts, key elements such as creative trailers, posters, and in a social media era, Instagram and Twitter accounts for a movie, should not be ignored.

In 2017, Mike Ezuruonye told Pulse Nigeria that other genres don't put in as much as they should into publicity as comedy.

"The other genres are not advertising as hard as comedy," he said.

"So, it's a thrown challenge to other filmmakers who don't like comedy. I mean "76" is not a comedy, it did well. So, you advertise hard too because whether you like it or not, movie making is an expensive medium and you just have to put money into it."

Every filmmaker should be able to create the feeling that their film is a must see. And to achieve this, effort should be put into creative marketing.