Veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has identified inadequate financing and limited investment as major factors hindering the production of large-scale action films in Nigeria.
Recently, Omotola shared her insights during an engaging interview on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds. The seasoned actress, with a remarkable career spanning over three decades, tackled the pressing question of why Nigerian filmmakers seem hesitant to explore certain genres and stories. She dismissed claims that fear drives filmmakers away, instead pointing directly to the issue of funding.
“I don’t think Nigerians [filmmakers] are afraid to tell any story,” she stated firmly. “The problem is we don’t have finance, we don’t have money, and we don’t have enough investment.” This lack of resources can mislead observers into believing that filmmakers are fearful of tackling ambitious projects, especially in the action genre, which she noted has remained largely unexplored due to its capital-intensive nature. Omotola emphasized that while Nollywood has produced action films, they have often been on a much smaller scale compared to those seen in other film industries worldwide.
The actress drew upon her own experiences, particularly her long-term efforts developing a major historical project about the infamous 1993 hijacking incident in Nigeria. “I have been working on it for the past seven years and had the rights to that story,” she elaborated. However, she made it clear that she wouldn’t commence shooting until she secures the necessary funding. Her commitment to quality underscores her belief that filmmaking should aim to project Nigeria positively on a global scale, not merely produce content for consumption.
Omotola’s comments also touched on the sensitive issue of sexual exploitation in the industry, known as “sex-for-roles.” She urged women to voice their experiences and avoid secret auditions that perpetuate such practices. Her call for transparency resonates with the changing dynamics in Nollywood, where discussions about ethics and representation are becoming more open.
Nollywood has evolved significantly through various eras: the VHS/CD Era, where quick, low-budget films dominated; the Cinema Era, which raised production values and brought films into theaters; and the current Global Era characterized by streaming platforms that showcase Nigerian cinema to a worldwide audience. Despite these advancements, financing remains a persistent hurdle, with filmmakers frequently citing high production costs and exploitative middlemen as barriers to creating substantial projects.
In the midst of these challenges, several top filmmakers are actively steering the industry forward. Icons like Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham, and Wumi Toriola dominate box offices, while Kunle Afolayan and Kemi Adetiba have elevated production standards. Not to be overlooked, figures such as Mo Abudu and Omoni Oboli are expanding Nigerian cinema’s reach by leveraging digital platforms, helping to solidify its global presence.
Mother’s Love: Directorial Debut
Amidst her advocacy for better funding and storytelling, Omotola has also ventured into directing with her film Mother’s Love. She describes her experience as unexpectedly transformative, pushing her beyond her comfort zone. “We’ve done very strong festivals for a movie that I didn’t think was going to amount to anything,” she shared. This film, which she initially embarked on during a vacation, became a remarkable endeavor, largely due to the encouragement from fellow actress Ruth Kadiri.
Despite her concerns regarding lack of preparation—she did not engage in pre-production, considered the most crucial stage of filmmaking—Omotola embraced the challenges as they emerged. “When I was done with the project, people started giving me the thumbs-up and saying it was beautiful.” Her determination and resilience shine through as she faced both professional hurdles and personal health issues during the filmmaking process.
Omotola articulated that Mother’s Love is not merely a commercial venture for her but rather a heartfelt gift to mothers and daughters. “If anything comes back, it’s a plus,” she remarked about the film’s potential success. The significance of this project lies in her desire to offer something meaningful to her audience, and by stepping behind the camera for the first time in her 31-year career, she aimed to channel her creativity and vision directly into the film.
Scheduled for cinema release on March 6, Mother’s Love has already garnered international recognition, being selected for major festivals, including the Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) in Los Angeles. As Omotola steps into this new role as director, producer, and script editor, her journey represents both a personal triumph and a significant moment for Nigerian cinema.
