I

NOLLYWOOD
FILMBUSINESS AFRICAN STYLE

Documentary film | 65 min.

A Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg production | Germany 2020

Language versions: German (OV) | English | Spanish* | Chinese**

*produced by DW-TV | **produced by RTHK

synopsis

"The second largest film industry in the world" (UNESCO) is called Nollywood and is based in Lagos, Nigeria. The industry is famous for fast produced low-budget films sold on street markets across Africa. In recent years, however, the industry is changing. The Internet offers easy access to worldwide distribution and multiplex cinemas sprout in Africa's mega cities. The bustling industry draws a unique mix of artists and businessmen to Lagos.

Director Abba Makama dreams of an intellectual cinematic movement, a sort of Nigerian New Wave. Bastian Gotter, a young investor from Berlin, almost by accident, co-founded Africa's largest movie streaming service. Producer Don Omope believes the time has come for a his generation of filmmakers, "we are here to become the Tarantinos and Steven Spielbergs of Nigeria."