Efe Irele calls on Nigerian filmmakers to balance commercial success with emotionally compelling stories to grow Nollywood sustainably

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Efe Irele has emphasized the need for balance in the Nigerian movie industry, urging producers to create films that are both commercially successful and emotionally compelling.

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In an interview with Saturday Beats, Irele praised the progress of Nigerian filmmakers but highlighted the importance of financial sustainability for the industry’s continued growth.

“I must commend a lot of filmmakers right now; we’re all pushing the bar higher. We definitely need more emotionally driven stories, but we also can’t dismiss those who focus on commercial success.

At the end of the day, the industry has to generate money to keep going,” she said.

Irele noted that the rise of streaming platforms has changed audience behaviour, with fewer people attending cinemas.

She explained that filmmakers must craft entertaining experiences worth leaving home for, including films that make viewers laugh, unwind, and enjoy themselves.

However, she also stressed the importance of stories that evoke deep emotions and provoke thought, reminding the industry that such narratives preserve the soul of filmmaking.

“Not everyone wants to go to the cinemas anymore, especially with streaming taking over. We have to make movies that make people laugh, unwind, and enjoy themselves, because that’s what a lot of viewers are looking for,” she added.

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Efe Irele’s call underscores the need for Nollywood to balance creativity with commerce, ensuring the industry remains both profitable and artistically rich.