Actress and producer Efe Irele has said Nollywood must produce films that are both commercially viable and emotionally engaging to thrive globally.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, published by The Punch, Efe said, “I believe that in order for Nollywood to thrive, we need to tell stories that are commercially viable and emotionally engaging.”
She explained that while catchy titles attract attention, the real power of a film lies in the emotions it evokes. “The title definitely grabs attention, but the real power lies in the emotional depth of the story. When I first read the script, I was drawn to the complexity of my character — a daughter navigating deep emotional scars from a traumatic childhood,” she said.
Speaking about her film My Mother Is a Witch, the actress noted that the story explores the complexity of African mother-daughter relationships. “African mother-daughter relationships are complex, and this story doesn’t shy away from the emotional weight they carry,” she said.
Efe, who also served as executive producer, said the project’s box office success, grossing over N100 million, shows that emotionally charged stories can still achieve commercial success.
Reflecting on her career, the actress recalled being discouraged early on. “There were instances when people told me that I could not act, that I should quit the movie industry,” she said.
Efe, known for roles in Finding Happiness and Aso Ebi, said her focus is now on creating stories that connect deeply with audiences while remaining commercially successful.
