Efe Irele Urges Nigerian Filmmakers to Balance Entertainment With Storytelling
Nollywood actress and filmmaker Efe Irele has called on Nigerian movie producers to find a balance between creating commercially successful films and delivering emotionally rich stories that connect with audiences on a deeper level.
Speaking in an interview with Saturday Beats, Irele praised the progress of the Nigerian film industry but stressed that financial sustainability must remain a top priority for long-term growth.
“I must commend a lot of filmmakers right now; we’re all pushing the bar higher. We definitely need more emotionally driven stories, but we also can’t dismiss those who focus on commercial success,” she said. “At the end of the day, the industry has to generate money to keep going.”
The actress noted that the rise of streaming platforms has significantly changed viewing habits, forcing filmmakers to rethink how they tell stories and market their films.
“Not everyone wants to go to the cinemas anymore, especially with streaming taking over,” Irele explained. “We have to make movies that make people laugh, unwind, and enjoy themselves, because that’s what a lot of viewers are looking for.”
While acknowledging the importance of entertainment-driven projects, Irele emphasized that filmmakers should not neglect thought-provoking narratives that preserve the emotional and cultural essence of Nollywood.
According to her, striking a balance between entertainment and storytelling will ensure that Nigerian cinema continues to thrive both artistically and commercially.
