In an exclusive interview, Dolly Nwaduba, a talented writer, actor, and producer, shares her inspiring journey, creative process, and vision for the future of Nollywood. With over 30 feature films under her belt, Dolly is a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian film industry.
You’ve had an incredible journey from the University of Benin to the New York Film Academy, and now as a successful producer in Nollywood. Can you share some highlights of your journey and what inspired you to pursue filmmaking?
My major inspiration for writing and producing is the need to tell original African stories… we are very rich in history and culture… our stories are unique and incomparable. It’s time the world sees us in the right light.
You’ve independently produced over 30 feature films in Nollywood. What do you think sets your films apart from others in the industry?
I like to cast right… as a writer, I’m always attached to the characters I create and I love to get the right people to play these characters. I think my movies are also very unique because I make sure the process of creating them is enjoyable for everyone, cast and crew alike… and when you enjoy the process of creating, the product is always impressive.
Your new movie, which you’re currently promoting on your YouTube channel, is getting a lot of attention. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this film and what audiences can expect?
It’s a beautiful African story that addresses a lot of issues that plague our society. It also stars the legendary Pete Edochie, the incredibly talented Gideon Okeke, and a host of other fantastic actors. It was directed by the vice president of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN). The story is very dear to me because it was the very first script I ever completed as a young writer.
The business side of things is where it gets a bit tricky, but when you’re trained professionally and also acquired practical knowledge of the business from experience, balancing becomes seamless… especially when you’ve lost money a couple of times like most of us have lol, you just have to figure out how to make it work by employing the best hands possible to collaborate with.
You’ve worked with some of the biggest names in Nollywood and Hollywood, including Pete Edochie and Monalisa Chinda. What have been some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned from these collaborations?
I’ve learned humility, the best of them all are the most humble. If you sit down with daddy (Pete Edochie) you will find he’s the most humble and kind person you’ll ever meet. As powerful as he is, he welcomes and treats everyone with respect and dignity.
What challenges have you faced as a female filmmaker in the industry, and how have you overcome them?
As a female filmmaker, sometimes people challenge your authority just to get a reaction or to see how you respond to insubordination especially from females, lol. I find it quite amusing because we are supposed to be lifting each other up, but you rarely see that happening. Females are usually the most challenging to work with, and I’ve made my peace with that.
You’re not only a filmmaker but also a trained screenwriter and voice-over artist. How do these skills contribute to the films you create, and how do they influence your approach to storytelling?
A creative is multi-dimensional and this means every single one of us can not only write, or act or sing or dance but can do all of these things together. It’s a gift from God and they all fuse well together.
With over seven years in Nollywood, how have you seen the industry evolve, and where do you see it heading in the next few years?
The industry is growing rapidly… in terms of quality and standards, we’ve really evolved. We have better pictures, better actors, more unique stories being put out there and thanks to some well-meaning individuals and some banks, we now have bigger budgets to work with. In the next couple of years, we’ll experience exponential growth in Nollywood. It’s a great time to be a filmmaker.
For aspiring filmmakers and actors, what advice would you give them about breaking into the industry and making a name for themselves?
If you’re coming into the industry in whatever capacity (actor or crew) just make sure you love the job. Because it’s that love and passion that’ll keep you going when things get tough, trust me, things aren’t always rosy in this side. We work under a lot of harsh conditions and sometimes it’ll test and
