A renowned Nollywood producer and director, Lancelot Imasuen, said that the fact that a major platform like Netflix had ‘our’ work back was monumental.
“It showcased our capacity, our dynamism, and our ability to create works that resonate globally.
“The rise of Nigerian movies on Netflix has significantly contributed to the development of Nollywood,” he said.
Imaseun was speaking on the transformative impact of streaming platforms on the Nigerian film industry.
Imasuen, whose pioneering work “Invasion 1897” was among the first 10 Nigerian movies officially acquired by Netflix, highlights the streaming giant’s role in revolutionising Nollywood.
“In 2007, ‘Invasion 1897’ was one of the earliest Nigerian movies acquired by Netflix, a milestone that marked a major celebration for our industry,” Imasuen recalls.
Imasuen pointed out that the platform’s involvement led to notable improvement in the quality and adventurous nature of Nigerian films.
“Netflix has helped the development of
Nollywood in no small way. Qualities are better, and film makers are now dynamic and adventurous.
“The platform’s willingness to invest in our films has been a game-changer,” he said.
Imasuen acknowledged that Netflix’s presence in Nigeria had heightened level of consciousness among filmmakers, regarding production value.
“We are now more conscious because of Netflix. There are a lot of production values we now put into consideration.
“Filmmakers are now more determined to do better work, if they are targeting the Netflix platform.
“Netflix’s entry into the Nigerian market has provided filmmakers with a lucrative platform, encouraging them to enhance their storytelling and technical skills,” he said.
According him, the streaming service’s investment in the Nigerian content has opened up global audiences to Nollywood, creating opportunities for filmmakers to showcase their work on an international stage.
“This global exposure not only boosts the profile of Nigerian films but also attracts further investment and collaboration opportunities.
“As a result, Nigerian films are gaining international acclaim, contributing to the global recognition of Nollywood as a major player in the film industry,” he said.
Imasuen is optimistic about the future of Nollywood, particularly with the continued support of streaming platforms.
He believes that the streaming giant’s influence will inspire a new generation of filmmakers, to push the boundaries of storytelling and production, ensuring that Nollywood continues to thrive on the global stage.
On the other hand, the celebrated director is currently focused on his major project, “The Return of Isakaba”, a remake of his iconic film “Isakaba” which was originally released 23 years ago.
The project is now in the post-production phase, after a comprehensive pre-production and production process.
“Isakaba is a project I did 23 years ago, and now there is a need for us to remake that film. We have done pre-production, production, and we are now in post-production stage,” says Imasuen.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lancelot Imasuen is a prolific Nigerian filmmaker, producer, and director, known for his significant contributions to Nollywood.
With a career spanning several decades, Imasuen has directed and produced numerous acclaimed films, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the industry.
His works, include the grounddbreaking, “Invasion 1897” and the iconic “Isakaba”, plus others, have garnered international recognition and continue to influence the evolution of Nigerian cinema. (NAN)
