LAGOS — Veteran Nollywood actor Nkem Owoh has issued a scathing critique of the contemporary Nigerian film industry, warning that a decline in creative discipline and an obsession with speed are undermining the quality of local cinema.
The "Laziness" Epidemic
In a candid assessment of the current production landscape, the legendary actor expressed deep concern over the industry's shift toward high-volume, low-effort output.
"There has been a decline in the creative aspect of Nollywood," Owoh stated. "People are in a haste to make a film. What is bringing us down is the laziness of some people."
Quality vs. Quantity
Owoh, who has been a cornerstone of Nigerian cinema for decades, argues that the "run-and-shoot" mentality fueled by the pressure to satisfy rapid consumption patterns on streaming platforms has come at the expense of artistic integrity. His critique focuses on the lack of rigor in the pre-production process, specifically:
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Script Development: A perceived lack of depth in writing as creators rush to push projects from concept to screen.
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Pre-Production: A departure from meticulous planning and character development that once defined the industry’s most acclaimed works.
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Artistic Commitment: A call for younger filmmakers and actors to treat the craft with the intellectual weight it deserves rather than viewing film as a "quick money" venture.
The Cost of Success
While Nollywood has evolved into a global powerhouse with massive distribution potential, Owoh’s comments echo a sentiment long-held by many of the industry’s pioneers: that the race for commercial success must not cannibalize the storytelling soul that put Nigerian cinema on the map.
For Owoh, the future of the industry hinges not on how many films are released annually, but on the willingness of a new generation to slow down and prioritize craft over convenience.
