The Nigerian film industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with female practitioners boldly taking charge and reshaping the narrative. This shift is particularly evident in the rise of female producers who are not only creating films but also actively contributing to the industry's growth in various ways.
One prominent figure leading this charge is Wumi Toriola, a well-known actress and producer making her mark on the Nollywood scene.
Recently, Toriola hosted a unique event, a colloquium and end-of-year soirée titled “Future of Nollywood: Challenges and Progress,” which she also referred to as “The Genesis 1.0.” The event, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, brought together key Nollywood stakeholders to discuss crucial topics such as standards, professionalism, and the future of the film industry.
Professor Mojisola Bimbo-Manuel delivered the keynote address, urging practitioners to take responsibility for shaping Nollywood's future. She highlighted the significant influence actors have as role models, especially for children. She emphasized the need for higher entry and professional standards to attract serious investment.
"People will invest in filmmaking, but only if the products are of high quality," she stated. "The industry suffers because standards are not enforced." She pointed out the lack of structured entry criteria in Nollywood compared to academia, questioning, "What is the benchmark for getting into Nollywood?" She also stressed that female actors don't need to dress provocatively to gain respect. But here's where it gets controversial...
Drawing from her personal experiences, Bimbo-Manuel added, "I've been married for 29 years, and no one has ever settled a quarrel between my husband and me. The world expects you to be perfect, but you are not. Still, you don’t need the negative publicity you sometimes get, because you have children who may suffer for it.”
Akorede Idowu, a financial expert, also addressed the guests, advising Nollywood creatives to prioritize their financial well-being. He highlighted the importance of planning for the future, emphasizing that the law of diminishing returns will always set in, and younger faces will continue to join the industry. He encouraged practitioners to save, invest, diversify their income streams, and build an emergency fund. He also urged them to stay informed about tax laws relevant to their work.
Representing the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Bukola Agbaminoja, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, pledged continued government support for the creative sector. She noted that global stars are currently filming in Nigeria due to the quality of local talent and mentioned that the state government has provided grants worth hundreds of millions to filmmakers.
As the event's host, Wumi Toriola charged her colleagues to uphold integrity in their work. "Character is different from integrity," she said. "People judge me by how I shout in movies, but you will never hear that I got paid and failed to do my job. We must ensure we operate with integrity in everything we do.”
The event was attended by several notable figures, including Yewande Adekoya, Dolapo Oni, Bimbo Aiyeola, Regina Chukwu, and others. This event followed the launch of Toriola's YouTube channel, wumitoriolatv, and the success of her co-produced film, ‘Gingerrr.’
And this is the part most people miss... What do you think about the need for higher standards in Nollywood? Do you agree with the emphasis on financial planning for creatives? Share your thoughts in the comments below! What are your thoughts on the role of female practitioners in Nollywood?
