Basketmouth Criticizes Nigerian Filmmakers for Neglecting Cultural Representation
Renowned comedian and filmmaker Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basketmouth, has criticized his colleagues in the film industry for not adequately showcasing Nigeria’s rich culture in their movies.
Speaking in an interview with Hip TV, Basketmouth expressed disappointment with the portrayal of Nigeria’s heritage in many epic films, describing their execution as subpar.
“I believe we still have the opportunity to get it right, but we’ve wasted great chances to showcase our culture in a positive light,” he said. “I watch epic movies, and many of them feel more like stage plays. It’s disappointing.”
The filmmaker lamented the lack of authenticity and depth in cultural storytelling within the Nigerian film industry, suggesting that many productions failed to live up to their potential.
“You guys blew a great opportunity. But let’s hope we still get another chance to strike at it. So far, only a few movies have truly impressed me,” Basketmouth added.
His remarks come amidst ongoing discussions about the need for Nigerian films to better reflect the country’s diverse cultural heritage while meeting global standards. Basketmouth’s call serves as a challenge to filmmakers to prioritize cultural storytelling and elevate the quality of their productions.
