Faniran Says Favouritism Is Driving Talent Out of Nollywood

Nollywood actor, Tayo Faniran, has said favouritism, gatekeeping and personal sentiments are preventing talented actors and filmmakers from getting the opportunities they deserve in the Nigerian film industry.

Faniran made the assertion in an interview, saying his views were based on his personal experiences and his desire for a fairer system in which talent could thrive.

He said personal biases could influence decisions on awards and career opportunities, regardless of the quality of an actor’s or filmmaker’s work.

According to him, some strong productions and performances have failed to receive recognition because of controversies, relationships and other considerations outside the quality of the work.

Faniran cited the 2023 film, Gangs of Lagos, in which he featured, saying he expected the movie to receive award nominations following its success.

He said the controversy surrounding the film, including legal action against the production and concerns over its message, may have affected its chances of receiving recognition.

The actor also cited The Fire and the Moth, arguing that even if he were excluded from consideration, other contributors to the production, including the director of photography and sound team, deserved to be considered for recognition.

Faniran further alleged that some individuals occupying prominent positions in Nollywood had benefited from nepotism, favouritism and industry connections.

He said such practices could make it difficult for emerging talents to gain opportunities, particularly when decisions were influenced by established networks rather than potential.

Comparing Nollywood with the Nigerian music industry, Faniran said emerging artistes could sometimes gain opportunities based on their potential, while aspiring filmmakers and actors in Nollywood often had to navigate established gatekeeping structures.

He said the situation could discourage young talents from bringing new ideas and perspectives into the industry.

Faniran, however, said he had decided to create opportunities for himself and other emerging talents rather than continue waiting for industry gatekeepers.

He disclosed that he produced his first film, Man Like Jimmy, in 2020 and later produced a four-episode series, Bodija, which he said received more than N100 million in investment.

The actor said he wanted his work to receive fair consideration based on its quality and the efforts of everyone involved.

Faniran stressed that his comments were not directed at any particular individual but at what he described as a wider problem within Nollywood.

He called for a system in which films, actors and other creative professionals would be assessed on merit and given opportunities based on the quality of their work.