Diminas calls for Govt support to boost Nollywood’s global hold
Nigerian-German film director and producer, Dagogo Diminas, has underlined the importance of Federal Government investment in the Nollywood industry.
Diminas made this statement on Tuesday in Lagos.
He explained that government funding would provide filmmakers with the freedom to experiment and innovate without the constant pressure of financial constraints.
“Filmmaking is a serious business. Every department – camera, sound, script, costume – needs to have a clear artistic vision. Government support is crucial if we are to compete globally and preserve our identity,” he said.
He further encouraged creatives to develop distinct storytelling techniques that reflect Nigeria’s rich heritage, rather than imitating Western models.
“Having cultural authenticity is vital for Nollywood’s growth on the global stage. We cannot compete with Hollywood, as they created many of the tools we use, but we can carve out our own identity, just like the Indians, Italians, or Koreans have done. Each of them has their own unique style. Nigeria must find its voice in film,” he added.
Diminas, who has over 30 years of experience across Nigeria, South Africa, and Germany, started his career in makeup and special effects before studying film directing and production in Europe.
He acknowledged Nollywood’s significant growth since its early ‘home video’ era, and commended the new generation of filmmakers for their creativity and resilience.
However, he identified several key challenges, including distribution, funding, and the lack of a defined genre unique to the Nigerian experience.
Diminas suggested that incorporating Afrobeat into Nollywood films, particularly in soundtracks and themes, could help Nigeria carve a niche on the global stage.
“Afrobeat is globally recognised. Imagine movies with that rhythm and energy. You would instantly know they’re from Nigeria, just from the sound,” he remarked.
He also encouraged Nigerian filmmakers to explore cinematic styles such as Italian neorealism and the French Nouvelle Vague, which he believes align naturally with the aesthetics found in many Nigerian productions.
Pointing to the global success of Afrobeat musicians, who embraced their cultural roots, Diminas urged the film industry to adopt a similar approach.
He proposed that films include subtitles in local dialects and feature traditional music instruments and costumes to stand out on global platforms.
Diminas further called for strategic storytelling that both educates and entertains, highlighting the importance of addressing pressing social issues. Citing his own film *Stigma*, which tackled HIV/AIDS awareness, he explained how humour and cultural context were used to address the topic without inducing fear or pity.
“Nigerians are known for suffering and smiling. Even when we tell difficult stories, they must carry that human touch, that relatability. That’s how you connect with audiences,” he concluded.