Should Nollywood Adopt AI? | BellaNaija

Every year, Nollywood produces thousands of films that speak to the daily realities of Nigerians. From cinemas and streaming platforms to YouTube, the film industry guarantees yearly production, which shows how it continues to thrive despite structural challenges. According to popular claims, Nollywood is the second-largest movie industry in the world by production. However, despite the volume, the industry has found itself grappling with several dynamics of production because the materials for these productions are not homemade. So the evolution of the industry is somewhat dictated by external factors.

Years ago, when international streaming platforms like Netflix launched services in Nigeria, the goal of almost every filmmaker switched from the cinemas to having the next Netflix blockbuster. Everyone began making original films for streaming platforms. But when the streaming platforms cut down services in Nigeria, and across Africa, the distribution problem, which appeared to have been solved, resurfaced. Everyone returned to the cinema and YouTube.

Meanwhile, many filmmakers have raised concerns over cinema time alterations because, as it appears, Nigerians demand to watch a film based on the filmmaker, so the cinemas, demand-inspired, give more showing time to what the public demands.  Or so the claims say. Also, YouTube, while it has remained a global public platform, could also cut down services in Nigeria. Nigerian creators on the platform have already raised concerns about how creators in Nigeria receive revenues way lower compared to other countries. When YouTube packs up to leave, where do the thousands of Nollywood films on the platform go?

My point is that despite how big Nollywood has grown, it is always challenged by external factors. The latest external…