The Story⚡
Nollywood’s finest descend on Toronto’s W Hotel for a TIFF-side brunch, where glamour meets grit as Charles Okpaleke rallies for structures to match the industry’s buzz.
Tell Me More
Stars and executives from Nollywood gathered at the W Hotel in Toronto for the Nollywood Brunch, a glamorous side event of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), hosted by Charles Okpaleke (Charles of Play) and Moses Babatope. The guest list included Ramsey Nouah, Dakore Akande, AY, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Linda Osifo, Joy Odiete, Ijeoma Onah, Rogers Ofime, Lily Afe, and Dr Shaibu Husseini of the NFVCB.
Beyond the glitz, the mood turned serious as Okpaleke addressed the room, reminding everyone that Nollywood’s success cannot rely solely on box office hits and red carpet appearances. “To whom much is given, much is expected,” Okpaleke said. “Our industry has accomplished extraordinary work with limited resources. The question now is how we build the structures, finance, policy, distribution, and IP protection that will allow those achievements to last.”
He also highlighted the risks of over-relying on platforms like YouTube for exposure. “Accessibility must not become an excuse for lowering production standards,” he warned. “Our digital future should reflect the excellence the world already recognises.” The brunch concluded with a shared commitment to turn Nollywood’s global attention into sustainable action, from funding to distribution reform.
In Summary
From TIFF’s sidelines to Nollywood’s core, Okpaleke’s call for reform reminds us that true success builds legacies, not just moments.
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