The Story⚡
BB Sasore, co-founder of Nemsia Studios and director of Breath of Life, has announced he is permanently stepping away from directing to focus fully on producing and executive leadership.
Tell Me More
Episode 9, Part A of State of Nollywood Industry features host Akintunde Damilare David in conversation with BB Sasore and Josh Olaoluwa as they examine the practical business decisions shaping the future of Nigerian and African film.
BB Sasore shares the reasoning behind his exit from directing. Having delivered 9 of the 15 films on Nemsia Studios’ slate through its Amazon Prime partnership, he now sees greater value in building scale, structure, and long-term control rather than individual directing credits.
Josh Olaoluwa discusses his work producing in Kenya and Los Angeles, with an upcoming project headed to the Venice Film Festival. He explains how maintaining a clear Nollywood identity can actually expand international opportunities rather than constrain them.
The conversation covers key industry realities:
Why Africa remains a low-priority market for global streaming platforms
Amazon Prime Video’s position as a secondary part of Amazon’s overall business
The migration of younger audiences from Netflix to TikTok
Initial effects of the Canal+ and MultiChoice acquisition
The growing role of festival circuits in film discovery
Strategies for creating projects outside traditional gatekeeper systems
Distinguishing genuine passion from entitlement among emerging industry participants
This episode is a direct business discussion for filmmakers, producers, executives, and investors navigating Nollywood’s current landscape.
Watch Full Episode Here
In Summary
Part A of Episode 9 establishes the ongoing shifts in creative roles, production geography, and audience behaviour. Part B will continue with deeper analysis on industry grading, distribution approaches, Nigerian IP development, box office economics, and pathways to long-term sustainability. Stay tuned as BB Sasore and Josh Olaoluwa offer further practical insights into building enduring film businesses in Nollywood’s changing environment.
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