The developing new wave of Nollywood : a conversation with Niyi Akinmolayan

Abstract

The new wave of Nollywood is largely defined by the operations and vibrant undertakings of young and serious minded filmmakers in Nigeria. This crop of filmmakers are determined to take over the industry by producing film and movies that possess the much desired lasting substance. These filmmakers are those who Jonathan Haynes has referred to as the “New Nollywood” filmmakers (Haynes, 2014) that gradually emerged with the coming of age of Kunle Afolayan’s The Figurine (2010). Niyi Akinmolayan, a film director and producer is a typical example of this group of filmmakers, whose filmic oeuvre is beginning to attract global attention and significance. In this interview, I engage the cineaste in a discussion that centres on him and permeate the universe of his works. I concentrate on his background and steady rise and development, his philosophy about film in general, and then Nollywood. I tackle him on the development of the various film technologies that have defined the Nigerian cinema. The conversation takes us through particular areas of film apparatuses such as storytelling, film narratives, directors, cinemas films, home videos, audience matter and pioneers of the industries, with reference to those who are unknown and that have influenced this visual creator at Anthills Studio.