The increasing influence of digital technology is transforming Nigeria’s film industry, opening new opportunities for filmmakers and expanding participation among women who are shaping the direction of Nollywood’s evolving landscape.
Once dominated by a limited number of producers and distribution platforms, the sector is now experiencing wider access as digital tools reduce the barriers that previously restricted entry into filmmaking. Lower-cost cameras, editing software and online distribution platforms have created new pathways for creative professionals seeking to reach audiences both locally and internationally.
Platforms such as YouTube and major streaming services have enabled filmmakers to bypass traditional channels and release content directly to viewers. This transition has created space for new voices within the industry, particularly women who are increasingly contributing as directors, producers, actors and writers.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News in commemoration of International Women’s Day, Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ruth Kadiri discussed how technological changes have influenced her own career decisions.
"Um, thank you for having me and and hello to every woman out there, every hardworking woman."
Kadiri explained that her shift from traditional filmmaking to digital platforms was driven largely by the changing nature of the industry.
"Um, thank you for having me and and hello to every woman out there, every hardworking woman. Um, so what made me move from traditional um, film making to the digital space was when I realized that time was moving. is almost like okay this is the future and this is where we should we should be and I just moved with time I guess."
While digital platforms have widened access to audiences, they have also introduced new concerns, particularly around the protection of intellectual property. Piracy has long been a challenge for filmmakers, but Kadiri said advances in technology are helping content creators safeguard their work more effectively.
"Uh piracy has always been and will always be. The good thing about technology is that we find ways that we can tackle issues like this."
She cited the example of YouTube’s copyright system, which allows creators to identify and report unauthorised use of their content.
"Um I'll use YouTube for instance. There's clear copyright issues there where you could report anybody that takes content that is yours. The the technology has a way of detecting whether this content has been uploaded before and by who."
Despite these safeguards, she noted that some challenges remain, particularly when content is redistributed across different platforms.
"We still have some issues where people take your thumbnail and stuff like that or put your face on movies or posters that you have no business in."
Kadiri added that creators must remain proactive in protecting their work and adapt to the evolving digital environment.
"But however, regarding the main content, you have ways of protecting your content."
Reflecting on her experience building an online presence, Kadiri recounted a period when her YouTube channel lost monetisation privileges, forcing her to continue producing content without immediate financial return.
"My gift to gain story would be um I had started YouTube at that time trying to build a community and trying to grow my fan base and I woke up one day and my platform got demonetized."
She said that despite the setback, she chose to continue posting videos in order to maintain the audience she had built.
"And so the question is what do I do? And what came to mind is continue uploading knowing fully well that I wasn't going to make money."
"So all the content I uploaded at that time, I knew there was no money on it, but I was more concerned about the community I was building and trying not to let them down."
According to Kadiri, navigating the digital environment often involves learning through experience, particularly when dealing with copyright and licensing issues.
"You know, when you when you go into a new playing field, you start understanding the business as it goes. There just not you can't learn everything, you know."
She explained that sound and music rights frequently present challenges for creators publishing content online.
"We have sound there copyright issues people deal with copyright issues there sound issues and most times I create my own songs because I try to avoid situations like this."
Beyond digital production, Kadiri also highlighted the importance of mentorship and investment in emerging talent within the industry. She noted that many women in Nollywood actively support younger creatives despite the financial risks involved.
"Um I feel like motherly instincts we women we're we naturally move into our work space with our motherly instinct."
She said she often identifies and supports young individuals with potential, though the process can be uncertain.
"I for one I know that I I source for so many young talents when they are quite young and try as much as I can to invest in them."
Kadiri acknowledged that such investments do not always produce the expected results.
"But investment cost a lot of money, you know, a whole lot of money."
"Sometimes you might have nurtured somebody for 5 years and the person wakes up and says mama you know what I think I want to be a comedian."
Nevertheless, she said mentorship remains essential to the growth of the industry.
"But regardless, we do it anyway as women."
Addressing the challenges she has faced throughout her career, Kadiri said criticism from others who do not understand her vision has been one of the most persistent obstacles.
"Well, some of the barriers or some of the issues that I've had to face, I'm still facing um first of all will be criticism and that will be from people who do not understand your vision."
She emphasised that maintaining focus on long-term goals has helped her navigate these pressures.
"But because I I understand where I'm going, I don't let those ones deter me."
Kadiri also reflected on the issue of sexual harassment in the industry, stating that the dynamics within Nollywood have changed significantly over time.
"Well, when I when I got into Nollywood, it was a patriarchal system at that time, but right now we have more women in film than men."
She suggested that the increased presence of women across different roles in filmmaking has reduced the prevalence of such experiences.
"So I believe I know I believe that 80% of sexual harassment stories are dead and gone."
Discussing Nollywood’s global reach, Kadiri said the industry should focus on authentic storytelling rather than attempting to conform to international expectations.
"Yes. So, we worry so much about the international audience. We are telling our stories."
She argued that audiences outside Nigeria are often interested in perspectives that differ from what they already see in other film industries.
"Truthfully, we are telling our stories indeed."
According to Kadiri, the diversity of storytelling within Nollywood reflects the varied purposes of filmmaking, from education and social commentary to entertainment.
"So when you talk about a film there are different aspects of you can tell a movie for educational purpose, you can tell a movie for um fantasy purpose and you can tell a movie just so you you want to laugh."
For her, the industry’s responsibility remains clear.
"I I feel we are telling Nigerian stories we are telling our stories."