Nollywood: Isn't it time for a sci-fi movie?

 According to one of the industry's directors and producers, Mr Kingsley Omoefe, Nollywood's new narrative is refocusing the industry from its initial blunders to one with professionally savvy hands and equipment in line with today's global standards.

"Today, we have better-trained filmmakers and better equipment; corporate and financial institutions are becoming more interested, and the response has been incredible." "As a result, Nollywood is producing better films, and the world has taken notice of us," he recently stated following the completion of his new film, Wheel of Fate.

Nollywood as an industry.

Nollywood is Nigeria's film industry, and it is the world's second-largest in terms of output, with around 2,500 films produced each year. This number outnumbers Hollywood and is only surpassed by Bollywood in India. Norimitsu Onishi, a New York Times journalist, helped develop the term in 2002 after noticing a flurry of filmmaking activity in Lagos, Nigeria. While Nollywood may not earn as much money as Hollywood or Bollywood on a yearly basis, it is famed for its prodigious output under considerably more difficult conditions.

Early Nollywood is distinguished by a home video production quality. However, the Nigerian film industry has significantly improved its skill. Nollywood, best known for comedies and dramas, is now making horror, historical pieces, musicals, cartoons, and even nolly-noir at an industry-grade picture and sound quality.

Notable Nollywood Films

Living in Bondage (1992)

Violated (1996)

Maami (2001)

Contract (2012)

Married But Living Single (2012)

30 Days in Atlanta (2014)

Ojuju (2014)

Taxi Driver: Oko Ashewo (2015)

Okafor’s Law (2016)

The Wedding Party (2016)

Lagos With Love (2018)

Is it not time for a sci-fi movie?

'Why is Nigeria ranked third in the world of movies?' I have questioned countless times. This is a question I used to ask since I know that when it comes to quality, Nigerians can't stand films from Mexico, England, or Australia, but Nollywood comes at the top. I received an answer today, and I was told that the ranking is determined by the number of films produced each year. Then I add, "Oh, as for quantity, we should definitely rank in third since the number of films that Nollywood produces, both the English and Yoruba speaking genres together, produces more than we are ready to see." 'Since we've been exposed to the world based on quantity, why didn't our filmmakers take it upon themselves to develop great movies, both in terms of technology and storyline?' I wondered. Of course, I've watched wonderful films like 'Ije,' 'Last Flight to Abuja,' 'Mr and Mrs,' and a few more. However, we will not utilize those few to constantly beat our chests. It's past time for producers to start making more challenging films, spanning all genres, because Nigerians are sick of watching ritualist films or 'runs girls' films, which only serve to highlight the country's flaws and, who knows, drive away investors and make outsiders think of all Nigerians as a fetish.

Science fiction is one genre I'd want to see in Nollywood. The realm of make-believe is more than what we see on a daily basis; we should use fantasy to leave a lasting impression on our viewers. The good news is that Nigerians are starting to develop the habit of going to the movies. Our government should assist by establishing at least two to three cinemas in each city. This will allow producers to always make a profit on their investment, and it will also open doors for investors. Nigeria could also become a major tourist destination. Art is a lovely thing, one that easily appeals to men. I'm a screenwriter, and I've written various science fiction scripts, but no one seems to desire this genre; their argument is that Nigerians aren't ready for it, yet we all adore Hollywood sci-fi. With this in mind, I wonder when Nigeria would be able to live up to her reputation as Africa's behemoth.

What do you guys think? DROP comments in the comment section