British-Nigerian actor John Boyega recently stirred the waters at the 2024 African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) with candid remarks on Nollywood’s response to criticism. During his panel discussion, Boyega emphasized the importance of constructive criticism in creative industries and suggested that Nollywood often struggles to embrace it. His comments have since sparked widespread debate, raising critical questions about the state of Nigeria’s film industry and its relationship with growth-driven feedback.

While some industry insiders dismissed his observations from an outsider’s perspective, Boyega’s remarks highlight a longstanding issue within Nollywood: the resistance to critique. This resistance is a significant barrier to the industry’s global relevance and excellence aspirations.

John Boyega speaks in praise of criticism, as Nollywood seeks to move to the next level, during his AFRIFF 2024 Fireside Chat.

"it's important for someone to tell you that you're not there yet because how else will you reach your highest height and potential" pic.twitter.com/6XLUcmU8MN

— What Kept Me Up (@WKM_Up) November 13, 2024

Criticism is an essential part of artistic evolution. From Hollywood to Bollywood, the best filmmakers rely on reviews, audience feedback, and industry input to refine their craft. However, Nollywood often treats criticism with defensiveness, framing it as an attack rather than an opportunity to improve.

This attitude is partly rooted in the industry’s history. Nollywood emerged as a grassroots movement with limited resources, driven by the passion of self-taught filmmakers and actors. These pioneers operated in an environment that celebrated sheer effort over polished results for years. This approach undeniably birthed a vibrant and resilient industry, but it also fostered a culture that excused mediocrity as “good enough.”

Today, as Nollywood reaches for global recognition, the stakes are higher. Nigerian films are making their way onto streaming platforms like Netflix, appearing at international festivals, and vying for major awards. With this expanded audience comes heightened scrutiny and Nollywood must be ready to listen and adapt.

The backlash against criticism often stems from a misunderstanding of its purpose. When international filmmakers like Boyega or even local critics offer feedback, it’s not a dismissal of Nollywood’s achievements. Instead, it’s an invitation to refine, innovate, and do better.

But, too often, critiques are met with hostility. Filmmakers and actors lash out on social media, dismissing valid points as “hate” or “jealousy.” This defensiveness creates a culture where filmmakers are reluctant to seek honest input, preferring the comfort of praise from within their circles.

This behavior isn’t unique to Nollywood. Creative industries worldwide struggle with accepting feedback. However, in Nollywood’s case, the stakes are uniquely high. As one of the most prolific film industries in the world, Nollywood has the potential to be a global leader in storytelling. But that potential will remain unrealized if the industry refuses to embrace critical conversations.

Boyega’s comments at AFRIFF should serve as a wake-up call, not a point of contention. Constructive criticism is an asset, not a threat. It pushes filmmakers to ask hard questions: Are our scripts compelling? Are our characters authentic? Is our cinematography world-class?

The good news is that there are signs of progress. In recent years, Nollywood has produced critically acclaimed films like Eyimofe, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, Breath Of Life and many more. These projects succeeded in part because their creators were willing to engage with criticism, refining their stories until they resonated with both local and international audiences.

For Nollywood to thrive, it must shed its defensive posture and cultivate a culture of learning. Industry leaders, guilds, and organizations like AFRIFF can play a role by creating spaces where constructive feedback is encouraged and celebrated. Filmmakers should actively seek input, not just from peers but also from critics and audiences.

As Boyega noted, the path to greatness is paved with self-reflection and adaptation. Nollywood’s journey is far from over, and its best days are still ahead. But to get there, the industry must embrace feedback as a tool for growth, not a weapon of destruction.