The Story⚡
Nollywood is at a crossroads, buzzing yet grappling with hidden scars.
In the debut episode of “STATE OF NOLLYWOOD,” host Akintunde Damilare David sits with industry heavyweights Damola Ademola of Inkblot Productions and actor Michael Ejoor from “To Kill A Monkey,” uncovering if the hype matches the hustle.
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The episode begins with a burning question: Is Nollywood truly in a good place? Damola Ademola, co-founder of Inkblot Productions, and Michael Ejoor, fresh off the hit series “To Kill A Monkey,” deliver an unfiltered dialogue that peels back the glamour to reveal the grind.
Personal stories set the tone. Damola shares his six-month recovery from a back injury, a reminder of the physical toll behind the scenes, while Michael reflects on the release of “To Kill A Monkey,” a rare success in a sea of uncertainties. This leads into a stark discussion: What happens to an industry without enough hits? Without blockbusters like Michael’s series, creativity stalls, investments dry up, and talent flees.
Damola drops hard numbers on Nollywood’s 2025 hit count, painting a picture of an industry that’s prolific but not always profitable. He opens up about Inkblot’s rocky start—losing money on their first three movies, a humbling untold story that highlights the high stakes of production. The conversation shifts to cinema distribution’s evolution, noting how the flood of Nigerian titles has transformed theaters, for better or worse.
Michael gets real about the dreamers’ dilemma: What if you don’t make it in Nollywood? His honest advice urges aspiring talents to diversify skills and prepare for rejection. He also weighs in on Hollywood ambitions, acknowledging the allure but stressing the harsh realities of breaking in from afar. Damola flips the script, revealing how Nigerian culture and Nollywood are now influencing Hollywood, with global creators borrowing references from Africa’s storytelling traditions.
Innovation takes center stage as Damola announces his co-founding of KAVA, a new streaming platform timed to capitalize on shifting market dynamics. This ties into the “Netflix Effect,” where global streamers are minting instant stars in Nollywood, but not without complications. The duo dissects why major platforms are pulling back, leaving voids that local initiatives like KAVA aim to fill.
Diving deeper into business realities, they explore cinema economics in Nigeria—where theatrical releases demand savvy navigation of costs, audiences, and returns. Collaboration emerges as a lifeline, with filmmakers banding together to build a sustainable future. Damola teases Inkblot’s digital strategy, pondering if Nigeria’s top production house should embrace YouTube to reach wider audiences.
The episode breaks down Nollywood’s budget tiers, showing how they’re interconnected: YouTube movies for quick, low-cost experiments; festival circuit films for prestige and awards; blockbuster productions chasing mass appeal; made-for-TV movies for steady income; and short films as entry points for new voices. Investment realities follow, pointing to where smart money flows—often into proven hits or emerging digital spaces.
Piracy’s shadow looms large, eroding profits and discouraging creators, yet the industry persists through resilience and adaptation. Whether you’re a filmmaker eyeing budgets, an investor scouting opportunities, or a fan craving transparency, this packed discussion exposes how Nollywood operates beyond the cameras.
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In Summary
“STATE OF NOLLYWOOD” Episode 1 lays bare the triumphs and trials of Africa’s film giant, from hit droughts to cultural exports. But this is just the opener—stay tuned for Episode 2, where more insiders tackle the next wave of challenges and breakthroughs that could redefine Nollywood’s global stage.
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