Award-winning Nollywood actress Jumoke Odetola has expressed her excitement over the ongoing developments and innovations in Nigeria’s film industry.
The actress, known for her versatility and dynamic performances, is drawing inspiration from Nollywood’s current wave of creativity, which she says is fueling her own ambitions and pushing her to explore new horizons in her career.
According to The Nation Newspaper, in an exclusive interview, Odetola discussed how the film industry’s progress is not only shaping her work but also motivating her to take on more challenging and diverse roles.
“I am inspired by what’s happening in Nollywood,” she shared. “When you see people doing great things, it opens your mind. For some, it may lead to negative energy, but for others, like me, it sparks creativity and pushes us to do more.”
The talented actress, who has become a prominent figure in both Yoruba and English-language films, emphasized that the industry’s evolution is opening up new opportunities for storytelling and collaboration.
She noted that Nollywood’s growing recognition on international platforms and its focus on producing high-quality, culturally rich films are major factors contributing to her enthusiasm.
“The industry is evolving, and the global spotlight on Nollywood is encouraging us to be more innovative. It’s an exciting time to be part of this movement,” she added.
Odetola also hinted at a major upcoming project that she’s currently working on, although she remained tight-lipped about the details.
“There’s something big in the works,” she teased, “but no pressure.” While she refrained from revealing too much, her tone suggested that fans can expect something significant and perhaps different from her usual work.
Reflecting further on Nollywood’s transformation, Odetola highlighted the importance of supporting and celebrating each other’s achievements in the industry.
She argued that the success of one actor or filmmaker often benefits the entire community by elevating the standards and visibility of Nigerian cinema as a whole. “When one person succeeds, it shows the world what Nollywood is capable of,” she explained. “It’s a collective victory, and it encourages others to aim higher and achieve more.”
In addition to her views on the thriving industry, Odetola shared her thoughts on one of her favorite film genres: biopics.
She described biopics as one of the most challenging genres in filmmaking, explaining that they require a careful balance between authenticity and creativity. “Biopics are the most difficult stories to tell because there are different perspectives and arguments for and against them,” she noted.
“It’s easier to tell fictional stories because it’s my story, and I can tell it however I want. But with biopics, someone somewhere will tell you they’ve read a book or seen a play that presents things differently. No matter what, you open yourself up to criticism because there are always different schools of thought.”
Odetola emphasized that, despite these challenges, she is drawn to biopics because of the opportunity they offer to bring real-life stories to the screen.
She finds the process of exploring a person’s life and experiences, and translating that into a visual narrative, both rewarding and demanding. “It’s about finding that balance where you honor the person’s life while making it engaging for the audience,” she said. “That’s the beauty and the difficulty of biopics.”
The actress, who has won several awards for her work, including multiple Best Actress awards at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs), expressed optimism about her future projects and the overall trajectory of Nollywood.
She is confident that the industry’s focus on diverse storytelling and quality production will continue to attract global attention, setting the stage for even greater achievements.
As she continues to build her career, Odetola remains dedicated to expanding her craft and contributing to the growth of Nollywood. “I want to be a part of this new era, where Nollywood is not just seen as an entertainment hub but as a global powerhouse for storytelling,” she concluded. “I’m excited for what the future holds, both for me and for Nollywood.”
With her passion and drive, Odetola is certainly one to watch as Nollywood continues its rise on the international stage.
Fans and industry insiders alike eagerly anticipate her next big move, confident that she will deliver yet another standout performance.
