By Olaitan Ibrahim
Nollywood actor and filmmaker Odunlade Adekola has shared an insight on his 29-year long career.
In an interview on Sunday, Odunlade stated that the Nollywood industry is one with great potential.
While speaking, Odunlade celebrated film legends who focused on indigenous movies.
“I give kudos to some of our legends who paved the way for producing indigenous movies. The filmmaking circle is gradually changing from those times when English language movies were dominating. We have found our feet and taken our spot. No movie tells an in-depth story better than the ones that project our culture and value in the right proportion. Our local movies, as you might want to call them, are now gaining international recognition; it’s the start of many good works to come,” he said.
Odunlade also spoke about the generational shift in appreciating culture.
“The truth is whether you are Gen-Z or Millennial, very soon they will key into it, you cannot take the culture out of the way of life of people. One way or the other, they will begin to appreciate their culture just the way we embrace our mother tongue. On the roles of parents too, every parent needs to inculcate their culture into the everyday lifestyle of their children. Take them on historical tours so that they appreciate their culture and allow your children to attend exhibitions and go see cultural movies like Ajakaju and others. Our culture can only be preserved, if we do more to appreciate it,” Odunlade said.
The multi award-winning actor also spoke on the hidden potential of the Nollywood industry. He also advised governmental bodies to invest more and join in the fight against piracy.
“It is an industry with great potential. It is growing in leaps and bounds, yet it has the potential to grow more. All we ask for is an enabling environment from the government to help us thrive. It would be nice if the entertainment industry gets greater attention and consideration in government finances because this is a money-spinning industry. What you invest is what you get. That is why Hollywood and Bollywood remain on top. They have made the movie industry in America and India part of their income generators. The government must equally tackle piracy,” Odunlade stated.
The actor also gave advise on how to conquer temptations as an entertainer.
“Fear of God and self-discipline. Temptations will come naturally, but with the fear of God which goes with prayers, you will conquer,” he said.