Film critic, Tolu Fagbure, also known as “Afin”, has criticised Nollywood filmmakers, urging stronger collaboration with academicians and formal education to improve the quality and structure of film production in the industry.
He made the remarks on Wednesday while speaking on the Agbaletu podcast hosted by Dele Adeyanju, where he stressed that many industry challenges stem from a widening gap between practical filmmaking experience and academic knowledge.
Fagbure said earlier Nigerian filmmakers such as Hubert Ogunde, Duro Ladipo and Oyin Adejobi achieved greater success by blending creative practice with scholarly input, noting that this balance has weakened in contemporary Nollywood.
He also highlighted a divide between polytechnic-trained and university-trained creatives, arguing that the former often produce technicians while the latter are trained as managers with stronger theoretical grounding. According to him, many filmmakers still operating at a purely practical level need formal education to deepen their understanding of storytelling, directing, and production theory.
“There is a type of arrogance between contemporary artistes and academicians. In the past, artistes worked closely with scholars like Prof. Wole Soyinka to develop theories that improved filmmaking. Today, that relationship has been lost, and it is affecting the quality of work we see,” he said.
Fagbure also reviewed several Nollywood figures, praising Bimbo Ademoye’s talent but criticising her lateness on set, while describing Odunlade Adekola’s acting style as lacking development and urging further academic growth for refinement.
He faulted Toyin Abraham’s acting style for what he described as overacting, though he commended her film Alakada: The Gen Z, and also suggested that Funke Akindele should collaborate more with experienced directors to improve creative outcomes.
He concluded by advising young filmmakers to prioritise learning, discipline and mentorship, stressing that criticism is intended to strengthen the industry rather than undermine it.
Credit: Western News
