Collins Okoh profiles Nollywood's evolution through record-breaking films and authentic storytelling advocacy
Collins Okoh, screenwriter behind Nollywood record-holders 'A Tribe Called Judah' (first Nigerian film to exceed ₦1 billion) and 'Everybody Loves Jenifa' (reached ₦1 billion in 19 days), has been profiled for his role in the industry's evolution. The Premium Times feature highlights how his work focuses on 'trials of the everyday Nigerian' to create authentic stories that audiences connect with.
Okoh explains that while Nigerian films face visibility challenges globally, there's growing appreciation domestically, especially among young people he describes as 'the most story-literate generation.' He notes Nollywood's maturation through better writer attribution and compensation, moving beyond past challenges. His frequent collaborations with Funke Akindele succeed because they balance entertainment with emotion while staying true to Nigerian realities.
The profile comes as Nollywood attracts bigger budgets, international recognition, and produces films competing globally. Okoh believes the industry's growth stems from telling stories with conviction without apologizing for Nigerian identity, while acknowledging quality varies like in Hollywood or Bollywood.
With streaming platforms enabling more complex narratives, Okoh sees an increasingly sophisticated audience demanding authenticity. His advocacy for proper creative labor recognition reflects an industry that 'actually understands the value of creative labour.' What aspects of Nigerian storytelling do you value most, and how can we better support stories that reflect our realities?