Nollywood And Its Remake Factory; Where Should We Go From Here? -By Kareem Itunu Azeez

There is no doubt that the Nigerian film industry is as successful as anyone could think, while being third on the list of successful film industries in the world, after Bollywood, both behind Hollywood.

The film industry is noted for its mixture of all genres and tribes, ranging from Yoruba to Igbo and to Hausa. Meaning it is not a tribe centric organization, especially considering the amount it generates to the nation.

Nollywood has become a significant contributor to Nigeria’s economy, generating billions of dollars annually. According to a report by Price waterhouse Coopers, the Nigerian film industry was valued at $7.2 billion in 2016, making it the second-largest employer in Nigeria after agriculture, and contributing about 1.4% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Even though the emergence of streaming giants like Netflix has also created new revenue opportunities for licensing deals. The trend of creating franchise sequels and remakes is not unique to Nollywood, as it has been a growing trend in Hollywood over the past decade.

While it is a joyful thing for viewers younger than the times of their original productions dates, it has also served as a look back in the memory lane for the ones who witnessed the rise of these various films.

As the Nigerian Nollywood film industry matures, with a shift towards quality over quantity, producers are remaking or creating sequels to classic 1990’s films.

One notable trend in Nollywood is the frequent remakes of popular local and foreign films. This is partly due to the fact that Nigerian audiences are familiar with many Hollywood and Bollywood films, and so there is a demand for similar stories told with Nigerian actors and cultural references.

Remaking these films also allows Nigerian filmmakers to take advantage of existing storylines and popular themes, while adapting them to suit the local context.

Some examples of popular remakes in Nollywood include “Beyonce and Rihanna” (remake of “Coyote Ugly”), “Osoufia in London” (remake of “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”), and “My Love” (remake of “Titanic”). However, Nollywood also produces original films that reflect Nigerian culture and society, and these films have gained recognition both locally and internationally.

While some critics argue that the focus on remakes limits the creativity and originality of the industry, others see it as a way to create a bridge between different cultures and to introduce Nigerian audiences to new genres and styles of filmmaking.

Ultimately, the popularity of remakes in Nollywood is a reflection of the industry’s ability to adapt and respond to changing audience preferences and cultural influences. Just like the adaptation of various Nigerian films like ‘Rattle Snake’, ‘Nneka the Pretty Serpent’, ‘Living In Bonadage’ and the likes all have a modern spin to it that fits into the 21st century. But is that all that really meets the eyes or do we lack content ideas?

The modern-day Nollywood industry is only about three decades old, but it has seen significant evolution with increased production value, cinema chains, and distribution models, leading to the potential for open-ended profits.

THE ULTIMATE QUESTION?

Success would only lead to more hard work, like the Bollywood counterpart, Nollywood is also tasked with the ever burning desire to churn out quality contents, and this will leave one with the question of how much more content do they have? And when the remakes became incessant we asked, Is Nollywood lacking content in its film industry?

Do we not have film anymore to produce, since the inception of Hubert Ogundes, Amaka Igwe, Tunde Kelani, Aminu Saira and a host of others, who have graced the film industry with their production grace.

While some have argued that it’s the trend around the world, some people disagrees; to them Nollywood, is bereft of ideas, hence the historical remakes in it’s film industry. Rattlesnake, Domitilla and other remakes have contributed huge revenue to the country’s GDP, hence the reason some are even clamoring for more remakes.

The paragraph above seems to have done justice and trash the idea that the industry lack creative ideas. In fact films like “King of Boys” the controversial “Gangs of Lagos”, “Ije” and also Lionheart” – Directed by Genevieve Nnaji, this 2018 comedy-drama was Nigeria’s first-ever submission for the Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film category. It follows a woman who takes over her father’s failing bus company and must navigate the challenges of running a business in a male-dominated industry.

These films are just a few examples of the many successful films that have come out of Nollywood in recent years. and many top quality movies of recent times also proves that the industry is doing handsomely well in the production process and content delivery to its ever demanding audience.

Newer Contents or More Remakes

While remakes can be successful, they often lack the freshness and creativity that comes with producing original content. Remaking films may seem like a safe bet for studios and producers, as they are based on previously successful stories and have built-in audiences. However, this approach can be limiting and may prevent Nollywood from exploring new genres, themes, and stories.

Furthermore, remaking films can also lead to stagnation within the industry. If Nollywood continues to rely on remakes, it may struggle to attract new talent and audience members who are looking for fresh and innovative content. This can ultimately lead to a decline in the industry’s growth and popularity.

Instead, Nollywood should prioritize the production of original and diverse content. This can include exploring new genres, such as science fiction and horror, and telling stories that are reflective of the diverse experiences of Nigerians. By doing so, Nollywood can continue to expand and appeal to a broader range of audiences, both domestically and internationally.

In conclusion, while remakes can be successful, Nollywood should prioritize the production of new and original content. By doing so, the industry can continue to grow and evolve, attract new talent, and appeal to a diverse range of audiences.