Nollywood: The Video Phenomenon in Nigeria

Video filmmaking is a boom industry in Nigeria. About 7,000 new titles appeared between 1992 and 2005. While most are of poor quality and made quickly on low budgets, some productions are feature-length and pull in stars from other entertainment sectors. These videos seem to have an almost endless supply of plots that are liberally copied from popular, mainstream films and television programs. Nollywood examines the lives and experiences of those involved in this multimillion-dollar industry. Interviews with producers, actors, distributors, and others capture the excitement and vitality of this homegrown industry that has emerged spontaneously and without external support. As it spreads continent-wide, the Nigerian video phenomenon is a potent counter to Afro-pessimism, demonstrating the possibility of reviving the African film industry and developing a cinema-going public to support it.

Author: Pierre Barrot
Publisher: Indiana University Press
Published: 02/16/2009
Pages: 160
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 8.57h x 7.28w x 0.43d
ISBN: 9780253221179

About the Author

Pierre Barrot works in the Department for Cultural Co-operation and Action at the French Embassy in Algiers, and was formerly the Regional Audio-Visual Attaché at the French Embassy in Lagos.