Kanayo O. Kanayo, a veteran Nollywood actor, has advised filmmakers to create more realistic settings in their films.
He advised filmmakers to steer clear of having wealthy characters in everyday scenes dress traditionally or wear a lot of makeup.
The actor claims that many filmmakers are unaware of how their works influence a nation’s culture and traditions.
Kanayo also observed that wealthy people frequently wear casual clothing and that more people can recognize them by their high-end watches, shoes, and T-shirts than by their traditional attire.
To strengthen the industry and gain international recognition, he urged his colleagues to make more credible and realistic movies.
“Many Nollywood Producers paint the wrong picture of dressing/Makeup in the movies, all in the name of fine picture. IT’S MISLEADING. The reality is that many practitioners have not realised that film making is part of AGENDA SETTING in national development especially the culture and tradition of the people. The rich most times dress casually. Many are known by their expensive wrist watches, footwear, T-shirt NOT AGBADA.
“How can a man be resting in his house, lying on the Sofa fully dressed? How can a woman be adorned with full makeup while cooking? Most of the ladies sleep with their wigs on, with applied full facial foundation. Ahhhhhhhĥh. WHO DOES THAT? Dear colleagues, let’s watch it.”
“This is part of what my PhD dissertation is about. “The role of Nollywood in shaping and sustaining a Nigerian culture identity”. You have just captured the essence of my research, asking us to be more realistic in the image we create.
“By doing so, the industry will become more credible and then acquire a more formidable character with which they cannot be ignored in the national and international agenda. This is what the music industry has done with Afrobeat. Now, they are all getting paid like they hit a jackpot. Nollywood can do better than them,” he said.
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