Actress Shaffy Bello has said the film industry does not tell enough meaningful stories about older women and their lived experiences.
She made the remark during an appearance on VJ Adams’s talk show Off The Top, where she spoke about representation, womanhood and storytelling in Nigerian films.
Shaffy said she would like to executive produce films that focus on modern older women and the realities they face. “If I were to executive produce a movie, I would tell a modern story about a woman and show her resilience,” she said. “We don’t tell enough stories about older women what we go through, who we are, and how beautiful we are.”
The 55-year-old explained that womanhood is layered and shaped by different stages of life, which she believes should be reflected on screen. “I want to tell the story of what it took for a woman to become who she is,” Shaffy said, adding that every phase contributes to a woman’s growth and strength.
She also spoke about love, stressing that it is often misunderstood. “Love, for me, is the ultimate emotion,” she said. “We use the word loosely. We confuse love with romance and all that stuff, but love is actually different. It has depth, and it is spiritual.”
On professionalism, the actress noted the importance of discipline, especially punctuality. “I believe that if you are not a late person, people take you more seriously,” she said.
Shaffy Bello has been active in Nollywood for over two decades and is known for roles in films such as Chief Daddy, Reel Love, It’s Her Day, From Lagos With Love and Elevator Baby. She has also featured in television series including Tinsel and Battleground.
In past interviews, the actress has spoken openly about her personal life, including her separation from her husband, which she attributed to distance and the demands of her career. She has also said her views on relationships have evolved with age and experience.
