The Ageless and the Timeless: Why Old Nollywood will never be forgotten

Nigeria has come a long way from the days of VCR tapes and DVD’s. An endless journey of development that started as a one time gig and has now become a global phenomenon. However, no matter how big it has gotten, there’s just something nostalgic about watching a Title sequence of a Nollywood film made two decades ago. Seeing a familiar face, heart a familiar tune *inserts piano sounds* we’re simply never going to move on. Here’s why we think old Nollywood will never be forgotten. 

It’s what started the whole shebang!

    Old Nollywood paved the way for the growth and sustenance of the Nigerian film industry today. Before the introduction of modern means of film making in Nigeria, Old Nollywood had already amassed huge accolades for furthering the entertainment industry in Nigeria. Giving other directors, producers and talents the motive to take a leap and get into the filmmaking business. 

It birthed major film legends!

   From “Aki and Paw Paw” to Patience Osokwor, from Osofia in London to Chiwetalu Agu, Sam Loco to Stephanie Okereke- We can't even begin to list them all-some of the name and roles that will simply never be forgotten. These  veterans were brought to light by old Nollywood and still remain relevant till this day. For real, we still remember the way Nkiru Sylvanus OWNED all her crying scenes.

It made our childhood, most of us at least:

For Better For Worse, 2003

    The times we would stay up later than usual to see if the charm they put in someone’s food would work. The moments when we would dream of growing up to be “posh” like Oge Okoye or Genevieve whenever they played “the president's daughter”. Stories we eavesdropped on and told our friends at school. Films that  we will always remember and smile to for no reason. 

A Symbol of Freedom

    Old Nollywood was more than just a film movement. It was the official birthplace of the Nigerian film industry, an institution that tore us away from the stories that others told about  us and led us towards the stories WE wanted to tell. Re writing history from our point of view and selling it at the same time. A revolution that built an empire.

The Nigerian film industry is here to stay and expanding its borders each day with each great work of art that is film. Whilst it grows, we will never forget its roots, planted deep into the rich soil of our nation. Shout out to the Instagram pages that keep fanning the old Nolly flames.

You’re Truly!