When discussing Nigeria’s entertainment industry, we often focus on music and Nollywood. Yet, a vital sector that has brought global recognition to Nigeria is conveniently sidelined—literature. Nigerian writers such as Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Ayobami Adebayo, Sefi Attah, Flora Nwapa, and many others have captured the world with their brilliant works, showcasing Nigerian culture and history. However, Nollywood seems uninterested in adapting these literary treasures into films.
Hollywood, for instance, has mastered the art of turning books into blockbusters. Classics like The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter are perfect examples of the success that comes with book adaptations. It’s estimated that nearly 50% of Hollywood movies are based on books. In contrast, Nollywood has barely scratched the surface, ignoring internationally acclaimed Nigerian books that are ripe for the big screen. Isn’t it ironic that while foreign filmmakers capitalize on these stories, Nigerian filmmakers treat them as unworthy?
Why Are Foreign Filmmakers Leading the Way?
Take Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, for instance. The novel, considered one of the greatest African literary masterpieces, has sold over 20 million copies and been translated into over 50 languages. It’s more than a story, it’s a cultural artifact that has introduced global audiences to the complexities of Igbo traditions and the devastating effects of colonialism.
The book was first adapted into a film in 1971 by Francis Oladele and later into a successful miniseries in 1987 starring Pete Edochie, whose portrayal of Okonkwo remains iconic. Yet, since then, there has been an eerie silence. For decades, no Nigerian filmmaker thought it worthwhile to revisit the story with modern tools and techniques.
Instead, in 2024, it was announced that British actor Idris Elba would star as Okonkwo in an adaptation by American company A24. Nigerians were quick to lament the lack of Nigerian actors, but isn’t the real question why no Nigerian filmmaker stepped up first? Achebe must be rolling in his grave, knowing an Igbo man wasn’t even considered for the role of Okonkwo. This failure to take ownership of our own narratives is disheartening.
Foreign Filmmakers Lead Where Nollywood Fails
It’s not just Achebe’s work that foreign filmmakers are claiming. Paramount Pictures picked up the rights to Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone, with an all-star cast that includes Thuso Mbedu, Damson Idris, Viola Davis, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. The film, set to premiere in 2027, is one of the most anticipated adaptations in Hollywood.
Meanwhile, Nollywood remains a passive observer, allowing outsiders to dictate how our stories are told.
Can Nollywood Rise to the Challenge?
Some progress has been made, albeit slowly. Genevieve Nnaji adapted Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani’s I Do Not Come to You by Chance into a film that premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, using a Nigerian cast. Similarly, Kunle Afolayan brought Sefi Atta’s Swallow to Netflix in 2021. These efforts show that Nigerian filmmakers have the capacity to handle book adaptations if they choose to.
The real issue lies in expertise and patience. Many Nollywood directors are accused of rushing productions, compromising quality. However, with filmmakers trained at institutions like the New York Film Academy, this excuse no longer holds water. Nollywood has the resources, talent, and stories—it just needs the vision.
While it’s disheartening to see foreign studios adapting Nigerian stories, it’s also a wake-up call for Nollywood. Our literature is a goldmine of untold stories waiting to be brought to life on screen. Instead of complaining about foreign filmmakers, it’s time for Nollywood to invest in adapting these works with the excellence they deserve. For those already doing so, we applaud you.
We appreciate the global acclaim these books have received, but we hope Nigerians will recognize their beauty too.
