A new book has been added to the growing body of literature on the Nigerian film industry popularly called Nollywood.
Authored by veteran entertainment journalist and publisher, Femi Akintunde-Johnson (FAJ), the book titled Reflections: An Anthology Of Thoughts On The Nigerian Movie Industry – Pioneers, Creativity and Tenacity is coming on the heels of ‘From Reversal Filmmaking To God’s Bedroom And Back: Untold Story Of Nollywood Revolution’ by Matthew Simpa.
While Simpa’s book is an account of a filmmaker who played a principal role in a less-reported aspect of the Nollywood phenomenon in the late 1980s and early 1990s, FAJ’s 300-plus page book is a detailed recollection by a journalist who had a ring-side view of how the movie industry has faired in the past several decades especially through the contributions of the industry’s leading players.
And so it was exciting moments on zoom when the book was formally presented to the public on Tuesday June 15. Virtual public presentations of books have become part of the new normal since last year, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The unveiling of Reflections: An Anthology of thoughts on Nigerian Movie Industry – Pioneers, Creativity & Tenacity, turned out to be a roll call of who is who in film, entertainment and journalism sub-sectors.
Several artistes and directors from the Nigerian Film Industry were in attendance. Also noteworthy was the presence Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church (formerly The Latter Rain Assembly), and his wife, Layide.
The chairman of the virtual event, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, the Group MD of CMC-Connect Ltd., and president of Africa Public Relations Association, during his short speech, praised the author for his daring and fun nature which made him take up projects that led to some of the growth the Nigerian Entertainment industry witnessed in the ’90s and 2000s.
When called upon to give his remarks, the author, who was praised by Jahman Anikulapo, former Editor of Thd Guardian on Sunday who moderated the event as the ‘godfather of Nigerian entertainment reporting’, thanked all who were in attendance. He said: “Contrary to the usual pattern of writing history from the premise of past events, the history of motion pictures in Nigeria is a more difficult assignment, as the industry is still a thriving and continually evolving sector of the Nigerian economy and society. As you can see, it’s still an ongoing project…a nightmare for anyone trying to document its contours and eras. Players change, trends evolve, transitions happen. In the last three months, after writing in the present tense, I have had to revert to the past tense with the demise of Chico Ejiro and Uncle Ladi Ladebo…for example.”
Speaking further, FAJ revealed: “A lot of patience is required … actors, directors, and other workers in the industry are forever nomadic, sort of…and where the internet can be misleading or would sometimes take you off course, you’d need the interventions of real players to correct and validate available information and data. My debt of gratitude to those who responded positively to our prods and queries…and those who continue to support our efforts all through the decades.”
Pastor Bakare, while giving his blessings, prayed that the author would have more grace to cover more grounds in all his endeavours. He also praised the veteran journalist for his positive contributions to the development of the film industry in Nigeria.
The book focuses on the history, creativity, and growth of the Nigerian film industry. It is available in e-book and paperback formats, both online (Amazon and Smashwords) and in Nigeria through the author’s website ( or by private placements).
Some of the guests present at the unveiling included the former Commissioner for Tourism Arts & Culture and Publisher of TCN, Mr. Steve Ayorinde; leading actors Joke Silva and Kate Henshaw; film director Fidelis Duker, Lanre Arogundade, Azuh Arinze, Lancelot Imuseun, Edmond Enaibe, Chris Obi-Rapu, Dr. Kunle Hamilton, Sesan Ekisola, Peace Osigwe-Anyiam, Yomi Opakunle, Yinka Akanbi, Sola Osofisan, Marcel Okeke, Hussein Shaibu, Lampe Omoyele, Deji Adeagbo, Lemi Ghariokwu, Nyanknno Osso, Femi Odugbemi, Dr. Funke Omidire, Chinelo Chikelu, Mike Effiong, Pastor Kayode & Titi Adeosun, Prof. Akin Adesokan, Ganiat Meshioye, Matthew Simpa, Sola Adewunmi, Pastor & Mrs. Funsho Ige, Soibifaa Dokubo, Johnson Onime, Dr. Arnold Udoka, and a host of others.
