John Njamah, a Nollywood filmmaker, has voiced his disapproval of the organization’s casting standards, saying that actors should be chosen for their skills rather than their appearance or social media following.
The seasoned filmmaker offered a provocative viewpoint on the present and future of Nollywood filmmaking in an exclusive interview with Pulse Nigeria.
John Njamah is a seasoned director, producer, and actor in Nollywood. He is well-known as an actor because of his portrayal of Rabiu in the television soap opera Fuji House of Commotion.In addition, he has appeared in television series such as Emerald, Tide, Casino, Solitaire, Living in Lagos, Tinsel, and My Flatmates.
One of the interview’s most remarkable comments focused on his experience as a filmmaker, highlighting his enthusiasm for the field and his goals for its development.
“It is more than passion that is driving me. Every month, no matter the year, there’s that knack and need to progress. It is necessary to take a new approach. You are free to follow your own path in this field and avoid following the crowd. Therefore, what drives me is my inherent inventiveness and my desire to do things well. In essence, it’s my constant creative endeavor,” he remarked.
Njamah also talked about the evolution of African storytelling, highlighting both the good and bad developments that have occurred throughout time.
Both positive and bad aspects are present. A technological input is present. Technically, we’re telling our stories more effectively. Our tales are getting bigger and better. The drawback is that we are starting to become less unique. We are starting to follow the trend of identifying things that are strange to others but not to us. Because we are no longer ourselves, we are starting to lose some of our identity,” he remarked.
Speaking on the casting process in the industry, Njamah highlighted the distinctions between the industry in his day and the present, particularly with regard to casting.
“Fuji House was a one-camera shoot featuring enthusiastic and ravenous individuals.
These days, there are many that cast gorgeous people with Barbie bodies and followership, not necessarily because of their skills. Since great stories are conveyed there, some of us strive to be that unique. Telling stories to enthusiastic individuals is what you want. It’s unlikely, but it is conceivable, whether you like it or not. Actors who are deserving of the role should be chosen, not those who are chosen based only on their Instagram following. We take things from society and return them to it in the form of educational values and enjoyment.
He also emphasized that there is no effective structure in place to keep an eye on the industry’s producers’ performance and said that filmmakers lack strong work ethics.
“There is a lack of professionalism. Today, there is a lack of humility, respect for people in authority, and similar traits. There are no checks and balances in the industry. All of Tom, Dck, and Harry can simply get up, declare themselves producers, and start working without being followed up with. Of course, the guild system isn’t functioning, so they can’t verify. There are no requirements for being a producer. Additionally, the system isn’t functioning. As performers, directors, and producers, let’s just exercise caution,” he continued.
Nollywood is unique, he said in closing, and he pushed for a potential inventive platform to promote and put out our work to reduce reliance on foreign streaming services.
What makes us unique is that which people dislike about us. I’ve had enough of people telling me that they don’t want to travel to the country for coproduction because we’re that and that, and why we’re depending on streamers and the like. In order for them to come to us and request these things, why can’t we do something that is for us by us? Our survival depends entirely on them licensing our films. Speaking of coproduction, I’ll tell you that you’re mistaken if you say you don’t want to travel to the country for whatever reason since there are amazing producers here whose work you’ve seen. You just have to approach them and provide your consent
