By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel
Nigerian actor and filmmaker Deyemi Okanlawon recently voiced his deep concerns over the toll piracy takes on Nollywood’s creators and industry.
Responding to a fan’s generosity, Okanlawon expressed gratitude for supporting the fight against piracy and shedding light on the struggles of independent filmmakers in Nigeria.
In an Instagram post, Deyemi shared his experiences as an independent producer. He emphasized how Nollywood’s content creators often lack government or financial backing, relying solely on their resources to bring high-quality productions to the screen.
“We end up spending all we have to produce these films,” he lamented, adding that piracy inflicts immense harm, causing financial losses and stifling the industry’s growth.
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This conversation began when a fan disclosed plans to watch a pirated copy of Deyemi’s latest film due to financial constraints. Another fan, identified as @l444nnu, quickly stepped in, generously offering free tickets to five individuals as a way to deter piracy.
Deyemi commended this act, saying it “renewed his hope” in the Nigerian audience’s willingness to support genuine content. He extended his appreciation to both fans involved, particularly thanking @iamjoyessien for understanding the damaging effects of piracy and @l444nnu for their unexpected kindness.
Deyemi’s heartfelt message highlights a significant challenge for Nollywood: although it is one of the world’s largest film industries, Nigerian filmmakers often face substantial barriers.
Financial institutions rarely provide loans or investment for creative projects, and piracy further diminishes their chances of profitability. For filmmakers like Deyemi and his team at Bleeding Art Productions, these issues make producing quality films an ongoing struggle, despite a growing audience eager for authentic Nollywood stories.
Deyemi Okanlawon is one of Nollywood’s prominent actors, known for his versatility and ability to bring depth to a wide range of characters. Before fully venturing into film, he initially trained as a chemical engineer and began his acting journey in theater.
Over the years, he has made a significant impact on Nigerian cinema, known for his roles in films like King of Boys and Blood Sisters.
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