Nollywood, the vibrant Nigerian film industry, is known for its rich storytelling and diverse talent pool. However, beneath the glitz and glamour lies a troubling reality of segregation that has been brought to light by none other than actor and filmmaker, Lilian Afegbai.
Lilian’s Instagram Revelation
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Lilian Afegbai shared her frustrations about the growing divide within Nollywood. She raised a poignant issue that has long been swept under the rug – the unfair labeling and categorization of filmmakers and actors based on where their work is showcased.
Breaking Down the Divide
Afegbai highlighted how talents in Nollywood are unfairly segregated into categories like “YouTube filmmakers,” “Netflix stars,” or “Amazon actors.” This classification not only creates an artificial hierarchy but also diminishes the worth of individuals based on their platform association rather than their talent.
According to Lilian, this divisive mindset among both industry insiders and viewers distorts the essence of acting. She emphasized that an actor should be judged based on skill and performance rather than where their work is being streamed.
“It’s about, are you a good actor? Can you act?” she expressed passionately.
The Impact on Emerging Talent
The repercussions of this segregation extend beyond mere labels. It stifles the growth of emerging actors and filmmakers who may not have access to big platforms like Netflix or Amazon. The audience’s tendency to judge movies solely based on familiar faces further exacerbates this issue.
Speaking from her personal encounters with a YouTube producer, Lilian recounted instances where she faced belittlement and disrespect due to not fitting into the perceived mold of a “YouTube face.” This sheds light on how deeply ingrained this problem is within the industry itself.
Viewers’ Role in Upholding Divisions
Afegbai fearlessly called out audiences for perpetuating this divide by fixating on established names rather than giving newcomers a chance. By emphasizing viewers’ power in shaping industry dynamics, she urged for a shift towards supporting diversity in casting and storytelling.
“How many films is your fave going to be in at the same time? It’s not possible,” she pointed out, advocating for inclusivity over exclusivity in Nollywood.
A Call for Unity
Beyond just highlighting grievances, Lilian Afegbai’s message serves as a rallying cry for unity within Nollywood. She advocates for collaboration over competition, stressing that every platform—be it YouTube or Netflix—brings value to the table.
For actors, honing their craft should take precedence over platform prejudices. Producers need to ensure fair treatment and compensation for all contributors while viewers must broaden their horizons by supporting talent regardless of where it emerges.
In conclusion, Lilian’s powerful stance resonates across Nollywood as a reminder that great storytelling knows no boundaries or labels—it flourishes wherever passion meets opportunity. Let’s embrace diversity, uplift emerging voices, and celebrate stories that transcend platforms because at its core, Nollywood thrives when unity prevails.
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