Ademola Appeals to FG for More Funding in the Film Industry

Renowned Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Muyiwa Ademola, has appealed to the Federal Government to provide more financial and structural support to the Nigerian movie industry.

According to Ademola, a lack of funding is hindering the growth and development of Nollywood, despite its rich creative potential.

In an interview on Channels Television’s Rubing Minds, Ademola emphasized that Nollywood’s strength lies in its original storytelling style, which has been the hallmark of the industry since its inception. He urged his colleagues to remain true to their authentic and original style of storytelling, which has endeared the industry to audiences across generations.

However, Ademola lamented the challenges faced by filmmakers in Nigeria, citing the difficulty in accessing funding and the bureaucratic hurdles involved in producing films.

He noted that unlike in other countries, where filmmakers can easily access funding for their projects, the process in Nigeria is often tedious and stressful.

“It’s a very big industry, and the government needs to do better. Movies here are personal projects. Abroad, you put your concept together, present it, and get funding. But here, it’s so stressful. You need to know someone who will take you to someone else, and so on. And in the process, your work of art can get doctored. That pressure shouldn’t exist,” he advocated.

Ademola’s call for government support is not new, as many stakeholders in the industry have been advocating for more funding and infrastructure to boost the growth of Nollywood.

The industry, which is one of the largest in the world, has been struggling to reach its full potential due to lack of funding, piracy, and other challenges.

Ademola’s comments have sparked a debate in the industry, with many stakeholders agreeing that government support is crucial for the growth and development of Nollywood.

Some have called on the government to establish a film fund or provide tax incentives to support filmmakers, while others have advocated for the creation of a regulatory body to oversee the industry.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the government will heed Ademola’s call and provide the necessary support to boost the Nigerian movie industry.

However, one thing is clear: Nollywood has the potential to be a major driver of economic growth and cultural development in Nigeria, and it deserves the support of the government and other stakeholders to reach its full potential.