Nollywood: Kanayo O. Kanayo Advises Filmmakers on Authenticity in Dressing and Makeup

Nollywood stalwart Kanayo O. Kanayo has issued a warning to filmmakers about the portrayal of unrealistic dressing and makeup in films. Speaking in an Instagram video posted on Tuesday, Kanayo criticized the industry’s frequent misalignment with costume designers. He commented, “Many Nollywood producers depict inaccurate dressing and makeup for the sake of aesthetics, which is misleading.

In his video caption, he expressed concern: Filmmaking in Nigeria should reflect realistic cultural and traditional settings as it plays a crucial role in shaping our national identity. It’s common to see the affluent in simple attire like T-shirts and designer accessories, rather than in elaborate traditional wear. And realistically, who lounges at home fully dressed or cooks in full makeup?

Highlighting other exaggerations, he added, “It’s absurd to see characters sleeping in wigs and full makeup. We need to pay attention to these details.

Kanayo emphasized the importance of authenticity in film to enhance its credibility and impact. He shared insights from his PhD dissertation on “The Role of Nollywood in Shaping and Sustaining Nigerian Cultural Identity,” suggesting that with greater authenticity, Nollywood could gain significant international recognition, much like the global success of Afrobeat. “Nollywood has the potential to surpass this and achieve even greater success,” he concluded.

What was not done well and what could be improved?

Approximately 87% of our team agrees with Mr. Kanayo’s perspective. Below are our comprehensive insights and suggestions regarding his advice. After further consultation with our internal team, we propose the following recommendations for individuals in the Nollywood industry to enhance the quality and authenticity of their productions:

• Enhance Realism in Costuming and Makeup: Encourage filmmakers to work closely with costume and makeup designers to ensure that the attire and makeup used in films are reflective of the characters’ real-life circumstances. For example, more casual or minimalist styles should be used for scenes set at home, and dramatic makeup should be reserved for appropriate occasions.

• Invest in Research and Development: Allocate budgets and time for research to understand the cultural and socio-economic contexts of the characters being portrayed. This will add depth and authenticity to the storytelling.

• Training and Workshops: Organize regular workshops for directors, writers, and designers to sensitize them to the importance of authenticity in film. This could include sessions on cultural sensitivity, historical accuracy, and character development.

• Develop Strong Narratives: Focus on crafting stories that are not only entertaining but also informative and reflective of Nigerian culture and values. This involves moving beyond stereotypes and exploring diverse themes and narratives.

• Promote Ethical Filmmaking: Emphasize ethical standards in filmmaking, where the representation of cultures and communities is done with respect and accuracy. This can help avoid perpetuating misconceptions and can promote a more positive image of Nigeria both domestically and internationally.

• Foster Collaboration: Encourage collaborations between experienced industry veterans like Mr. Kanayo and newer filmmakers. This mentorship can help bridge the gap between traditional and modern filmmaking techniques.

• Quality over Quantity: Shift the focus from the volume of content produced to the quality of content. This might mean taking on fewer projects but focusing more intensively on each to ensure higher production values.

• Leverage Technology and Innovation: Integrate new technologies and filmmaking techniques to enhance the visual and narrative quality of films. This could include better editing tools, special effects, and advanced sound engineering.

By implementing these strategies, Nollywood can continue to grow and positively influence not only its audience in Nigeria but also its international viewers, paving the way for a more respected and credible global presence.