Africa Movie Day: May 21, 2025

Nigerian and Finnish Filmmakers Prepare for Major Collaboration

The Nigerian film industry and filmmakers from Finland are gearing up for a significant collaborative program in the near future.

Insights from Africa Week's Africa Movie Day Event

At the Africa Week celebration's Africa Movie Day event, held at Cinema Orion in Helsinki, Nigerian filmmaker and actor Chris Iheuwa and Nigerian-born, German-based journalist and filmmaker Lolade Adewuyi discussed the growth of Nigeria's film industry and opportunities for global recognition.

The Roots and Rise of Nollywood

Chris Iheuwa, known for iconic Nollywood works like Rattlesnake and the series Checkmate, is regarded as a pioneer of Nigerian cinema. Drawing from his Theatre Arts background, he traced the industry's origins back to the early 1900s, highlighting the first Nigerian-made film, Palava.

"The first movie was sponsored and created by the British Colonial Service (BCS). Not everyone had the expertise to produce a full-fledged movie, so early productions focused on comedy, skits, and stage drama," Iheuwa explained.

He also credited Herbert Ogunde's stage plays for laying the foundation for what would become Nollywood — now Africa's largest film industry and the world's third largest after Hollywood and Bollywood.

The Importance of Authentic Nigerian Stories

Lolade Adewuyi emphasized the unique role Nigerians play in telling African stories that entertain, educate, and inform.

"Nigerian stories are designed to tell and explain what happens to you and why there are successes and failures in life," he said. "The Nigerian movie industry focuses on spirituality and explores the adversities that personalities go through."

Collaborating Across Cultures: Finland and Nigeria

When asked by host Kirpi Uimonen whether they wanted to collaborate with a smaller country like Finland, Adewuyi responded:

"Film is a medium where cultures can meet. There's an opportunity for cultures to find a point of interaction."

He suggested exploring stories about Nigerians living in Finland, including their experiences with immigration, climate, and cultural adaptation.

"Nigerian filmmakers can bring films from Nigeria and the rest of Africa to share their productions with the world," Adewuyi added.

What Nigerian Cinema Offers Finnish Film Companies

Nollywood brings dynamic storytelling and a connection to diverse audiences. Collaborating with Nigerian filmmakers offers Finnish companies fresh narratives, access to diasporic markets, and the chance to co-produce films that reflect modern multicultural realities.

How to Find Collaborators: Tips from the Event

Here are practical suggestions shared by the speakers for Finnish filmmakers seeking to connect with Nigerian counterparts:

1. Word-of-mouth referrals.

2. Use social media platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter).

3. Conduct research through Google and Wikipedia.

4. Attend film festivals and submit open documentaries — for example, the African International Film Festival.

5. Facilitate bringing key players from Lagos to Helsinki to build cultural understanding and personal relationships.

Speaking at the event : Chris Iheuwa, Lolade Adewuyi, and the host, Kirpi Uimonen.