Veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Genevieve Nnaji has called for increased collaboration among film industries across Africa, saying stronger partnerships could elevate the continent’s storytelling globally.
Speaking during an appearance on the Deadline Podcast, the award-winning actress said she has long envisioned a future where filmmakers from different African countries work together on major productions.
According to Nnaji, cross-border collaborations within Africa would help showcase the richness and diversity of the continent’s culture and stories.
“I think my dream has always been that we have some intercontinental production within the African region,” she said, adding that she hopes to see such projects materialise soon.
The actress, who directed and produced Lionheart — the first Nigerian film acquired by Netflix — also praised the growing number of women taking leadership roles in Nigeria’s movie industry.
She described the emergence of more female producers, directors, and filmmakers as a positive sign for the future of Nollywood.
Nnaji noted that although Nigeria’s film industry is relatively young, it has recorded significant achievements within a short period.
“The industry is barely 40 years old, but we’ve achieved so much in such a short time,” she said.
The actress expressed confidence in the future of filmmaking in Africa, stressing that the industry still has enormous room for expansion and innovation.
Recently honoured at the Women in Cinema Gala during the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, Nnaji said African cinema is only beginning to realise its global potential.
She also highlighted the depth of Nigerian and African stories, saying international audiences are yet to fully appreciate the continent’s cultural identity and creative strength.
“The stories that come out of Nigeria, I can’t wait for people to actually see the depth of who we are as a nation, as a culture, as a continent,” she said.
After spending years away from acting, Nnaji is preparing for a return to the screen in Wahala, a six-part thriller produced by BBC Studios and adapted from a novel written by Theresa Ikoko.
