Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry, has witnessed remarkable growth over the years. While it has gained substantial recognition within Nigeria and across Africa, there’s an untapped opportunity waiting to be explored – showing Nigerian movies in American theatres. This article will delve into the compelling case for expanding the reach of Nollywood to the American audience and how it can benefit the industry as a whole.
A Historical Perspective
Looking back, Nigerian movies have had limited showings at international venues. Some films were showcased at Odeon cinemas in London, and even “Dr. Bello” had a brief run in American cinemas back in 2013-2014. However, such opportunities have been sporadic, and many potential successes have been left unexplored.
Recent Progress
Fortunately, there have been some promising steps forward. For instance, the Yoruba movie “Orisha” is set to be exhibited in select American cinemas this year. Additionally, “Ijakumo” and “Battle on Buka Street” were shown in cinemas during December and January. Although the latter two films might not have gained significant traction, they still contributed to building awareness about Nollywood in the American market.
Diversifying the Movie Selection
To gain a stronger foothold in American theatres, it’s essential to diversify the types of Nigerian movies shown. While slapstick comedies have their charm, a well-rounded selection that includes various genres such as drama, romance, thriller, and historical films will appeal to a broader audience. For example, the movie “Living in Bondage – Breaking Free” which is a remake of the classic film is one that could have potentially done well in American theatres. It would have the appeal of being able to pull in older audiences based on the nostalgic factor and pulling in younger audiences based on the ‘star’ effect.
Learning from Bollywood:
The success of Bollywood movies in American theatres offers valuable insights. Bollywood consistently releases movies in India and abroad, even catering to niche audiences, like Malayalam and Telugu movies. By following a similar approach, Nollywood can establish a stronger presence in the American market.
Building Diasporan Interest:
One potential hurdle may be the perception that most Nigerian diasporans don’t watch Nollywood movies as avidly as Indians follow Bollywood. However, showing more Nollywood movies abroad could help stimulate interest and foster a sense of cultural connection among Nigerians living abroad. As diasporans engage with Nigerian cinema, they may provide valuable feedback, encouraging filmmakers to improve their craft and tailor content that resonates with global audiences.
Encouraging Quality Content:
Expanding Nollywood’s reach to American theatres can also act as a catalyst for raising the bar in filmmaking. Filmmakers will be more motivated to produce higher-quality content when they see their creations appreciated on the international stage. This will foster a cycle of continuous improvement, leading to more compelling and resonant stories that appeal not only to Nigerians but also to a global audience.
In conclusion, Nigerian movies possess immense potential to captivate international audiences, particularly in American theatres. With recent examples of Nollywood films making inroads abroad, there’s no better time than now to seize this opportunity. By diversifying movie selections, tapping into diasporan communities, and drawing inspiration from Bollywood’s success, Nollywood can pave the way for a new era of international recognition and acclaim. Through a collective effort from filmmakers, distributors, and audiences alike, Nigerian cinema can confidently step into the global spotlight and showcase the richness of its storytelling to the world.
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