Why i stayed back in Nollywood instead of going into Hollywood – Genevieve Nnaji spills

Renowned Nigerian actress Genevieve Nnaji recently shared her experiences seeking partnerships in Hollywood after the success of her 2018 film, Lion Heart that was acquired by Netflix for a rumored $3.8 million.

Speaking at the 2024 AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum/Afreximbank Annual Meetings, Nnaji reflected on her journey and the challenges she faced in the global film industry.

Giving the reason, she stayed back in Nollywood instead of going to Hollywood years ago, Nnaji said she wanted to contribute to the development of Nollywood.

She explained that she never found the support she expected in Hollywood, adding that the experience made her realized that she was a commodity.

She further noted that Hollywood wanted what she had, but simply for their own benefit.

She said, “For the first time, I realised I was a commodity. I thought, you know, given what I had done with Lionheart, and all of that, I was going to have an opportunity to do more. Getting there and having the kind of support, that obviously CANEX is bringing on board, but I thought I could find it in Hollywood. That was not quite the case.

“They wanted what I had but for their benefit. It was all about their story. It was all about how, even if it was our story, I could make it more authentic to their own understanding of whatever Africa is because they did have a lot of literature in their archives.”