Efe Irele: Mix Entertainment with Storytelling

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Efe Irele has stressed the importance of striking a balance in the Nigerian movie industry, urging producers to create films that are both financially successful and emotionally engaging.

In an interview with Saturday Beats, Irele praised the strides Nigerian filmmakers have made but highlighted the need for financial sustainability to ensure long-term growth.

“I must commend a lot of filmmakers right now; we’re all pushing the bar higher. We definitely need more emotionally driven stories, but we also can’t dismiss those who focus on commercial success. At the end of the day, the industry has to generate money to keep going,” she said.

Irele noted that the rise of streaming platforms has altered audience behavior, meaning filmmakers must now create cinema experiences that justify leaving the comfort of home.

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“Not everyone wants to go to the cinemas anymore, especially with streaming taking over. We have to make movies that make people laugh, unwind, and enjoy themselves, because that’s what a lot of viewers are looking for,” she explained.

At the same time, she stressed that filmmakers should continue producing stories that evoke deep emotions and provoke thought, as these narratives preserve the artistic soul of Nollywood.