The Nigerian film industry is the third largest in the world behind Hollywood and Bollywood. Most people don't know much about it. If they do it's through ridiculous trailers found on youtube like Stolen Bible (which I can't find right now) . This movie could have just been a compilation of some of those trailers and I probably would have liked it but it's much more.
The term and phenomenon of Nollywood began in the early 90's. The films are very rarely shown in theatres, they are mainly bought at stands and watched at home. They have, especially lately, strong born again christian themes colored with voodoo, withcraft and other Nigerians folk elements.
Throughout the movie we follow a popular director named Lancelot around on a shoot. At this point he'd had 158 movies under his belt probably alot more now. They are all made very cheaply and the profits are put back into making more movies. They seem to have a great time making the movie, lots of laughing and carrying on and positive reinforcment for actors and crew. He expresses an indifference to film festivals and whatnot, his thing is making popular films for the people.
As it progresses the film focuses more and more on the larger issue of Nigeria itself and in particular the role of the many evangelical churches in society and the film industry. One really smart guy who is interviewed throughout the film states probably correctly that "they have not made a great film" there yet and that while the church provides solace to people who are struggling, their (mostly bad) situation isn't changing. As Lancelot's movie draws to a close, we now see it in context.
Only an hour and 15 minutes long and if you are not Nigerian theres probably not much here you were even remotely aware of. One minor quibble was the use of what sounded like 70's Fela Kuti type funk in the background. It's good music but is it what these people listen to? minor minor quibble.
4.5 / 5
