In a podcast interview shared by The Cable Lifestyle, veteran Nollywood actor Francis Odega has voiced strong concerns over the current state of the Nigerian film industry. Odega, a pioneer with over 30 years of experience, argued that the “golden era” of Nollywood produced more memorable and carefully crafted stories compared to today’s “watery” releases.
The actor specifically criticized the modern trend of stretching a single script into multiple installments or “parts.” He believes this practice dilutes the art of storytelling and prioritizes quantity over quality, making the final products less impactful for the audience.
Odega also reflected on the industry’s evolution, noting that he was part of the original “Nigerian Actors Guild” before it transitioned into the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). He claimed that during his early years, the focus was on the “phenomenon” of Nollywood rather than just commercial output.
His comments have sparked a debate within the industry, with some younger filmmakers arguing that modern technology and global streaming platforms require a different approach to content creation, while others agree that the soul of Nigerian storytelling is being lost.
* The Nation Nigeria: “Francis Odega says Nollywood of then is better than now, blaming the decline on ‘watery’ multiple-part productions.”
* Leadership Nigeria: “The veteran actor insists that one tight script is better than seven parts of a diluted story.”
Echotitbits Take
Odega is touching on a “prestige vs. profit” tension that is common in rapidly growing industries. While Nollywood’s volume has made it a global powerhouse, the “cinema of parts” often leaves viewers feeling cheated. This critique might push producers to focus more on standalone “prestige” projects to satisfy both the local audience and international critics.
Source: The Cable Lifestyle — https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/quality-of-nollywood-films-declining-francis-odega-laments/ March 4, 2026
Photo Credit: The Cable Lifestyle
