Collins Okoh and the rise of Nollywood’s new storytellers
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Collins Okoh, a Nigerian screenwriter, contributes to a recent surge in Nollywood films attracting young audiences both in Nigeria and internationally.
Several years ago, few young Nigerians spent money to see locally made films, but that is changing despite rising cinema prices.
Okoh has written scripts for successful films like My Siblings and I, Everybody Loves Jenifa, and A Tribe Called Judah, the latter of which was the first Nigerian film to earn over 1 billion naira at the box office. Okoh believes Nollywood’s success comes from telling stories that reflect the daily lives of Nigerians, allowing audiences to see themselves represented on screen.
He often collaborates with Funke Akindele, an actress and director known for connecting with audiences through her comedic character Jenifa. He credits Akindele with understanding her audience and balancing entertainment with emotional depth. While acknowledging criticisms that some Nollywood films lack quality, Okoh points out that all film industries produce work of varying standards.
He emphasizes that many excellent Nigerian stories don’t receive the visibility they deserve, and that increasing recognition for creative labor is a sign of the industry’s maturation. He also notes that younger audiences are more story-literate and demand authenticity, driving a shift towards more complex narratives and proper credit for writers.
