Saidi Balogun, an actor and filmmaker, believes that the country’s film industry requires government intervention to improve.
In an interview with Sunday Scoop, He stated, “Our people are doing so well. However, things would get better if the government could provide a proper structure for Nollywood, so that people who invest in the industry would be able to make a profit. When people spend so much money to produce movies and they don’t make their money back, they would lose interest in the industry. If the government provides a proper structure for Nollywood, we would be able to make money from what we produce and sell to Nigerians here in Nigeria. We have to showcase our culture to the world and we need the support of the government to achieve that. Nigerians are doing great (things) all over the world, and some of them are now coming back home to contribute their quotas to the industry. A few years before the end of (former President) Good luck Jonathan’s administration, the government openly said that the entertainment industry had contributed so much to the country’s economy, even more than many other industries.”
Balogun also stated that his current focus in the film industry is on fostering fresh talent. “These days, I tend to promote fresh talents, particularly those who have never appeared on TV,” he remarked. I utilize my platform to inspire young people by allowing them to share their abilities with the rest of the world. I do this to give back to society since certain people gave me the opportunity to prove myself and show the world my talent. I’m grateful for the assistance of Sunday Dare, the Minister for Youths and Sports, and Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture.
“Many young people are just as determined, if not more so, than some members of my generation. Despite the increased competition, young people are working hard to achieve amazing things these days. I’ve just made three films, named Online, Finding Ireti, and The Scourge.”
