"Local films need more space", Nigerian director Niji Akkani

“Indian cinema is dominated by Bollywood. Indigenous movies made here are often ignored or sidelined by low-quality ‘masala’ flicks made in Bollywood,” says Niji Akanni, renowned Nigerian filmmaker and screenwriter, who showcased his movies in the IFFK Country Focus segment.

Akanni feels that indigenous films deeply rooted in local culture deserves more space. “Making more movies with local content is the only way to set an artistic trend. My message for young talents will be to make more movies that are rooted in their language and culture and eventually I am sure it will catch on,” says Niji Akanni.

He lauded the state government for promoting its local films through IFFK. “I think others should take a cue from Kerala and take efforts to bring local content to the forefront," he said. 

He knows a thing or two about Indian cinema as he was a product of the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune.

“A film irrespective of the language and structure is made for an audience. Hence, filmmakers doing alternative cinema should do the difficult balancing act of both responding to their inner voice and communicating with the world outside,” says Niji, who is a fan of actors Shabana Aazmi and Nazrudheen Shah.

Nigeria is more like India. It is a land of more than 250 languages. Nigeria, like India, also makes a wide range of movies, including off beat and commercial flicks.

“Compared to Nigeria, there is definitely more cinema here. People here have a clear idea about films and they know to appreciate and differentiate good and bad movies. I found movie enthusiasts here discussing movies at an intellectual level, which is a good thing,” he said.

But Nigerian filmmakers enjoy more freedom. Censorship norms are more lenient.

Nigeria also makes Bollywood-like song and dance films. “But in Western Nigeria, where I am from, movies are more culturally rooted. But, it’s always tough to get producers for off beat movies. I had struggled a lot. I had to wait many years to make the first film after writing the script. Initially it was difficult to take a decision on whether to follow the crowd or follow the heart. Patience is the key to realizing your dream,” says Akanni, who has written many award-winning films for first rate Nigerian producers.

'Abobaku' the short film by Niji Akanni was adjudged as the Best Short Film at the 2010 ZUMA Film Festival in Abuja, Nigeria, and TERRACOTA Film & Television Awards in Lagos.

Apart from short films, Niji is into directing TV soap operas and reality shows. “I earn a living by working on Television. Television is large entertainment and its quiet different. Structure of narrative, camera everything is different. But films gives you a larger audience and relatively films are much easier to produce,” adds Akanni.

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