Give me Nollywood

Dear brethren,
Part of what makes me tick is my love for Nollywood films. I love those based in the village, with the cast comprised of common characters such as the wicked uncle trying to steal his late brother’s property, the poor widow who is usually suffering from one ailment or another, her feisty daughter, whom the wicked uncle usually tries to silence or get rid of by marrying her off, and the silent, oppressed younger brother. Throw in a corrupt village chief and a benevolent, urbane rich man who falls desperately in love with the feisty daughter and changes their lives forever.

Or change the script and have a wealthy princess looking for genuine love, which she finds in form of a humble village farmer/carpenter/cobbler/tailor (take your pick) amidst fierce opposition from her horrified parents. In the end, love wins the good conquers evil and the wicked get their just desserts—a happy ending for all concerned.

Tell me what Hollywood million-dollar budget movie could compete with the enthusiastic acting, humorous insults and wicked humour in a typical village-based Nigerian film. I remember one movie featuring the great Patience Ozokwor (one of my all-time favourite actresses). At the beginning of the film, the husband takes a turn for the worse and the daughter rushes to find her mother and tell her. Instead of rushing to get a doctor, as is expected, Ozokwor sneers with her whole face and asks “But why won’t this man just die and leave me alone? He has refused to die!” She suddenly turns into the victim, plagued by her husband’s unending illness. Oh how I laughed!

That aside, one of the best things about these films is the sound track. As my husband likes to say (and not in a positive way) if you want to know what the film is about, listen to the theme song. For example, in my first scenario where there is a wicked uncle seizing his late brother’s property, the song running through the scenes would probably go like this, Aguma yes you are wicked, very very wicked. No money for school fees, no money for food, Aguma take it all, Aguma oooooohhhhh.” (To the beat of a traditional drum.)
Give me village royalty, give me village drama, give me Nollywood!