Nigeria’s film industry, known globally as Nollywood, is entering a new phase after major streaming platforms reduced investments in African original content. The industry, which emerged during the 1990s through independently produced home videos, is the world’s second-largest film producer by volume. While companies like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video previously boosted production quality and international exposure, economic pressures and low subscription growth led to both companies pulling back in 2024. Industry leaders now see regional distribution, expanded cinema access, and cross-cultural storytelling as the next stage of growth. Government-backed incentives, co-production treaties and training initiatives are also helping filmmakers pursue broader international audiences while strengthening local talent development and infrastructure. Meanwhile, cinema expansion—from 218 to 369 screens between 2019 and 2025—has tilted the theatrical balance in Nollywood’s favor, now occupying a larger share of Nigerian screens than Hollywood releases.
Los Angeles Times
