Move over Hollywood and Bollywood—there’s a new powerhouse in global cinema, and it’s coming from Lagos. Nollywood, Nigeria’s vibrant film industry, produces approximately 2,500 movies annually, making it the second-largest film industry by volume in the world, surpassed only by India’s Bollywood.
The Nollywood story is one of remarkable entrepreneurship and cultural innovation. The industry exploded in the early 1990s when Nigerian filmmaker Kenneth Nnebue produced “Living in Bondage,” a low-budget thriller shot on video. The film’s massive success demonstrated that Nigerians were hungry for locally produced content that reflected their own stories, languages, and experiences. What followed was a creative revolution.
Unlike Hollywood’s big-budget productions, Nollywood operates on shoestring budgets with films often completed in just days or weeks. This rapid production model, initially driven by necessity, has become a defining characteristic. Movies are shot digitally, keeping costs low while maximizing output. The result is an incredibly diverse catalog covering every genre imaginable—from romantic comedies and supernatural thrillers to historical epics and social commentaries.
Nollywood’s influence extends far beyond Nigeria’s borders. The films resonate throughout Africa and the African diaspora, creating a shared cultural experience for millions. Stars like Genevieve Nnaji, Ramsey Nouah, and Funke Akindele have become household names across the continent. The industry has also gained international recognition, with Nollywood films appearing on global streaming platforms and at international film festivals.
Today, Nollywood contributes billions to Nigeria’s economy and employs over a million people. It’s not just entertainment—it’s a cultural force shaping how Africa tells its own stories to the world.
