Nollywood Film Standards Are Declining, Says Actor Francis Odega

Renowned Nollywood actor Francis Odega has voiced concerns over the deteriorating standards of Nigerian cinema, asserting that today’s films pale in comparison to the classics of his era.

During a candid discussion on the ‘Where Is The Lie’ podcast, Odega reminisced about the golden age of Nollywood, emphasizing its superior storytelling and production quality.

He lamented that while filmmakers once crafted timeless masterpieces from a single script, contemporary productions often churn out multiple subpar adaptations.

“In our time, one screenplay yielded a legendary film. Now, the same script spawns seven forgettable ones—that’s unacceptable. The Nollywood I knew eclipses today’s version,” the seasoned actor declared.

Odega highlighted his foundational role in shaping Nigeria’s film industry, recalling its evolution from humble beginnings as the Nigerian Actors Guild (NAG) to the globally recognized Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN).

“We laid Nollywood’s groundwork before it became a cultural force. My three-decade journey in this industry speaks volumes about its transformation—and decline,” he reflected.