After working with Nollywood for eight years, Netflix has formally left the Nigerian market. When this decision was confirmed in November 2024, it shocked a lot of people in the entertainment sector. The exit of Netflix marks a sea change for Nollywood, which was once a ray of hope for Nigerian filmmakers hoping for international acclaim.
In a speech at the 2024 Zuma Film Festival, renowned director Kunle Afolayan discussed the streaming behemoth’s silent departure. Afolayan was among the creators who were able to acquire final assignments, but many others were left to find other options. He underlined that Nollywood must change course, create strong local platforms, and prioritize telling real stories instead of mostly depending on foreign partnerships.
In 2016, Netflix made its debut in Nigeria and immediately changed the entertainment scene by bringing Nigerian stories to a worldwide audience. But the platform’s slow retreat from acquiring local content has sparked questions about whether Nollywood’s current course can be sustained.
Although this choice represents a setback, it also presents a chance. Industry insiders interpret it as a warning to put money into indigenous solutions that value Nigerian filmmakers’ distinct voices. Many people think that Nollywood’s tenacity marks the start of a new, independent age for the sector.
The question that now faces both fans and creators is whether Nollywood can step up to the plate and reshape its worldwide presence. It will only be known in time.
