In Nollywood today, once a movie is released, the only voices you mostly hear are from excited fans. “Best movie ever!” “This is fire!” “10/10!” We see glowing tweets, emojis, and fan-made posters, but rarely do we see serious critique. Where are the Nigerian film critics who are bold enough to say, “This scene didn’t work,” or “This story lacked structure”?
We’re a film industry that loves applause. But sometimes, what we really need is correction.
Nollywood Is Growing, But Where’s the Growth in Feedback?
Nollywood is doing big things. We’re premiering in cinemas, signing global distribution deals, and getting into festivals. But how many of our films are going through professional analysis? Who is reviewing these movies with a trained eye and helping us grow from one project to the next?
The sad truth is that many filmmakers shy away from critique. Once you say something honest that doesn’t praise their film, they block you, insult you, or call you a hater. That’s not how healthy industries grow.
In Hollywood, Bollywood, and even smaller industries like South Korea, film criticism is taken seriously. There are respected reviewers, academic journals, YouTube channels, film blogs, and university courses that dissect movies and help shape public opinion not just fan love.
Why Does Nollywood Fear Criticism?
A lot of Nigerian filmmakers take feedback personally. They confuse criticism with hatred. But there’s a big difference between being insulted and being professionally corrected.
We also have a culture of “packaging” where everything must be hyped, even if it’s not that good. So when a reviewer points out plot holes, poor editing, or bad sound, they’re seen as “bad belle.” Yet, if the same film fails to do well internationally, nobody talks.
That silence is killing our growth.
We Need Trained Eyes, Not Just Loud Voices
A critic is not someone who hates your movie. A critic is someone who studies cinema, understands story, knows what makes a film work, and gives feedback from a place of care and knowledge.
We need more trained critics, people who can look beyond the red carpet and talk about screenwriting, acting, lighting, cinematography, costume, and editing. People who can say, “This was great,” but also, “Here’s what could be better.”
Good criticism improves the art form. It challenges filmmakers to do better. It educates the audience. It helps investors understand where to put their money. And it creates public discussion around film, not just gossip.
What About Film Schools and Universities?
It’s surprising that many Nigerian universities offer Theatre Arts or Mass Communication but do not have strong film analysis programmes. Where are the students writing serious papers on King of Boys, Afamefuna, or Shanty Town? Where are the academic journals taking Nollywood seriously?
Even our blogs and entertainment sites focus mostly on celebrity gossip or box office numbers. Who is doing the work of shaping how we talk about Nigerian cinema?
What Can We Do?
- Encourage film analysis: Let’s normalize serious discussions around Nollywood films, not just the fashion or trailer drops.
- Create safe spaces for critique: We need communities, festivals, or websites where critics and filmmakers can dialogue.
- Teach film literacy: Schools and content creators can offer breakdowns and reviews, not just hype.
- Support reviewers: If someone is writing or talking about films, share their work. Let them grow.
- Filmmakers must listen: You don’t have to take all the feedback, but respect the process. Criticism is part of the journey.
Bottom Line
Nollywood cannot keep growing if it only feeds on fan love. Applause is sweet, but it doesn’t fix a bad script. We need balance, love from fans, yes, but also sharp, honest eyes to help us get better.
If we really want Nollywood to compete globally, then we must welcome criticism the same way we welcome awards. A stronger industry is built not just on cameras and cash, but on conversation.
So to every critic out there: keep talking. And to every filmmaker: keep listening. That’s how we grow.
