Watch This Is Nollywood

This Is Nollywood is a fascinating documentary that explores the lively and inventive world of Nigerian cinema. The film takes a deep dive into the country's film industry, which is commonly referred to as Nollywood and is now the second-largest film industry in the world, having surpassed Hollywood in terms of sheer quantity of output.

Directed by Franco Sacchi, This Is Nollywood offers a glimpse into the lives and work of some of the key players in the industry. We meet Bond Emeruwa, a popular actor who has appeared in hundreds of films and is now a producer himself. We also meet Robert Caputo, an American filmmaker who has come to Nigeria in search of robust and enterprising cinema. Together, they explore the fascinating stories and personalities that make up Nollywood.

One of the most striking aspects of Nollywood is its sheer energy and creativity. Nigerian filmmakers have developed their own distinctive style, which is marked by a mix of melodrama, action, and music. They work at lightning speed, often producing films in just a matter of days, and they rely on a loose and improvisational approach to storytelling. As Sacchi goes behind the scenes of various productions, he captures the frenetic pace and inventive spirit of Nollywood.

At the same time, the film also delves into some of the challenges that Nollywood faces. For one, there is the issue of piracy, with many films being illegally copied and sold on the streets. This has led to a situation where many filmmakers struggle to make a living, even though their films are hugely popular. There is also the question of quality control, as many films are made on a shoestring budget and suffer from technical limitations. Yet despite these hurdles, Nollywood continues to thrive, producing a staggering number of films each year that are consumed by audiences all over Africa and beyond.

Through its interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, This Is Nollywood conveys the passion and dedication of those involved in the industry. We see the importance that filmmaking holds for so many Nigerians, who see it as a way to tell their own stories and create their own vision of their country. And we come to appreciate the unique and dynamic culture of Nollywood, which has created a cinema that is unlike anything else in the world.

In the end, This Is Nollywood is a love letter to a remarkable industry and a celebration of the creativity and spirit of the Nigerian people. It showcases an industry that is, in many ways, still in its infancy, and yet already has had a profound impact on global cinema. By the end of the film, viewers will have gained a newfound appreciation for Nollywood and the incredible stories that it tells.