Watch Welcome to Nollywood

Welcome to Nollywood is a 2007 documentary that dives deep into the Nigerian film industry, affectionately known as "Nollywood." The film is directed by Jamie Meltzer and features interviews with Nollywood filmmakers such as Izu Ojukwu, Chico Ejiro, and Don Pedro Obaseki. The film begins by explaining the origins of Nollywood, which began in the 1990s when a struggling Nigerian film industry was revitalized by the introduction of cheap video technology. Suddenly, filmmakers could shoot and edit movies quickly and affordably, opening up the industry to new voices and stories. Today, Nollywood is the second-largest film industry in the world, after India's Bollywood.

The film profiles various Nollywood directors and producers, giving viewers a glimpse into the process of creating a Nollywood film. We see everything from scriptwriting sessions to auditions to on-set filming. The film also touches on the challenges that Nollywood filmmakers face, such as low budgets and piracy.

One of the most interesting aspects of Welcome to Nollywood is its examination of the themes and styles of Nollywood films. While many Western viewers may see Nollywood films as low-budget and poorly made, the filmmakers themselves explain that these movies are made with a specific audience in mind: Nigerians. As such, many Nollywood films feature melodramatic storylines that focus on Nigerian culture and values, such as family and traditions. The films also frequently incorporate music and dance, creating a truly unique cinematic experience.

Throughout the film, director Jamie Meltzer also explores the socio-economic impact of Nollywood on Nigeria. He interviews various players in the industry who discuss the jobs created by Nollywood, which employs thousands of actors, crew members, and related professionals. Some even compare Nollywood to an "informal economy," in that many people get involved in the industry without any formal training or certification.

The film also touches on how Nollywood is perceived globally, as many Nigerians feel that their country's film industry is not taken seriously by the rest of the world. The documentary follows Nollywood executives as they attend film festivals and other events in an attempt to break into international markets.

Indeed, one of the recurring themes of Welcome to Nollywood is the dichotomy between the global and the local. While Nollywood films are created for a primarily local audience, they also have the potential to resonate with people all over the world. As one interviewee in the film notes, "People watch Nollywood films because there's something universal about them."

Overall, Welcome to Nollywood is a fascinating and engaging documentary that sheds light on an often-overlooked corner of the film world. It's a great watch for anyone interested in film, globalization, or Nigerian culture, and it's sure to leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for the unique and vibrant world of Nollywood.

Welcome to Nollywood is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.