Is Nollywood Safe? Film Professionals Confront Industry Negligence at NollySafe Space

IKEJA, LAGOS – In the wake of rising concerns over on-set safety in Nollywood, industry veterans and stakeholders gathered in Ikeja for the maiden edition of NollySafe Space, an event dedicated to addressing the urgent need for safety reforms in film production.

Held on February 21 at a quiet compound along Community Road, Allen, the initiative was organized by FilmSpace, a filmmaker community advocating for safety and industry connectivity.

The discussion, fueled by the recent tragic death of actor Junior Pope, who drowned while filming on set, brought together esteemed industry professionals, including veteran actor Jude Chukwuka and producer Emmanuel Uduma, to dissect the glaring safety issues within Nigeria’s film industry.

Investing in Film Safety and Financing 

The event commenced with a session led by Aniekam Ekwere, Head of Media and Entertainment at Fewchore Finance, an investment firm entering the Nigerian creative industry. Speaking with host Evazi Nimyel, Ekwere highlighted his firm’s role in financing film projects while ensuring investor protection.

“It’s not a loan,” Ekwere clarified. “We help finance your movie to a large extent while protecting investors’ interests from the profits of that movie.”

He elaborated on the profit-sharing model, explaining that while financiers might contribute up to 70% of the budget, revenue would initially be split 50/50 between filmmakers and investors, with adjustments made in subsequent projects. He also hinted at the possibility of full financing for select projects, stating:

“If we fund 100% of a film, the profit-sharing terms will differ. The production cap is ₦150 million, but for high-budget action films, it could reach ₦200 million. However, to secure full funding, a script must be undeniably strong.”

On animation, Ekwere acknowledged its potential but admitted to market challenges. “It’s incredibly expensive, and unfortunately, the Nigerian audience still views it as a children’s genre.”

 The Reality of Safety in Nollywood 

The main panel session featured Jude Chukwuka and Emmanuel Uduma, who tackled the harsh realities of safety—or the lack thereof—in Nollywood productions. Chukwuka was blunt in his assessment:  “Safety is fiction in Nollywood. It’s a budget item that never materializes.”

He attributed this to multiple factors, including cost-cutting measures, religious fatalism, and producer misconduct. “We’re cheap, we’re overly religious—’God is in charge’—and producers pocket the safety budget.”

Uduma echoed these sentiments, adding that many producers treat safety allocations as personal bonuses rather than operational necessities.

The conversation also extended to government responsibility, or the lack thereof. Chukwuka noted, “The Nigerian government does not prioritize citizen welfare, so why should the film industry be any different?”

The discussion highlighted how safety measures are often reactionary, implemented only after tragedies like Junior Pope’s death. Even film guilds, which should enforce safety standards, were not spared from criticism.

“There are guilds created for cast and crew welfare, but Nigerians love permits over enforcement. These guilds are politicking with the industry’s future. We are the architects of our misfortune,” Chukwuka lamented.

 Beyond Talk: Implementing Safety Standards in Nollywood 

Both panelists emphasized the need for comprehensive safety protocols and posed three critical questions:

1. How can Nollywood safeguard the physical well-being of its cast and crew?
2. What steps can be taken to protect mental health and prevent exploitation?
3. In cases of physical or psychological harm, who should bear responsibility?

On the first issue, Uduma stressed that safety starts with budgeting and preparedness. “For safety, the first question is, how robust is your budget?” He acknowledged that higher budgets typically mean better safety measures but insisted that even lower-budget productions could adopt essential precautions.

He shared his approach to safety on set:  “We conduct full medical assessments of everyone before production starts. That way, we know what precautions to take, what diet to provide, and who needs specific accommodations. Too many sets feed cast and crew nothing but carbs, without considering conditions like diabetes.”

Another major oversight? Skill assessments for actors.

“Producers don’t always check if an actor has the necessary skills for a role. Some roles require swimming, yet no one bothers to ask. That’s how we lose lives.”

Regarding psychological safety, both panelists emphasized the need for a work culture where actors and crew can voice concerns without fear of retaliation.

“Actors who demand safety measures risk getting blacklisted, even seasoned ones. Younger talents quickly learn to stay silent,” Chukwuka revealed.

As for liability in cases of injury or mistreatment, the consensus was clear: producers bear full responsibility.

The Way Forward

NollySafe Space’s five-hour session highlighted an urgent need for industry-wide reforms. However, whether this conversation translates into concrete action remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: Nollywood can no longer afford to treat safety as an afterthought.