Exploring the diasporan dimension of Nollywood – a conversation with Obi Emelonye

Abstract

Obi Emelonye, born on March 24, 1967 in Port-Harcourt (Nigeria), settled in London in the 1990s. A prolific film producer and director with a passion for excellence, he has greatly contributed to the professionalization of the Nigerian cinema in diaspora. A graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with a Law degree from the British University of Wolverhampton, he turned to film production and direction after a short spell as a lawyer. He has since secured international distribution for most of his films, which treat a variety of contemporary subjects, and is now recognised as a truly international leader in the profession. In this personal interview dated August 23, 2018, he offers a panoramic view of his films and reveals the professionalism, passion and hard work which characterise his production and endeared his films to both Nigerian and international audiences.