🎬 How did Nigeria’s film industry flourish between the 1950s and 1980s, and what led to its transformation?

In this episode of The African Cinema Podcast, we dive into the Golden Age of Nigerian Cinema—a period marked by the rise of locally produced films, the boom of cinema houses, and the shift towards indigenous storytelling.

Following Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the country’s film industry experienced rapid growth. Cinemas doubled in number, foreign-owned theaters were reclaimed by local entrepreneurs, and pioneering filmmakers like Hubert Ogunde, Ola Balogun, and Moses Olaiya brought theatre to the big screen. The government’s push for local ownership through the Nigerian Enterprises Decree of 1972 further solidified the presence of Nigerians in the industry.

But as television broadcasting gained traction and the cost of celluloid filmmaking became unsustainable, a shift was inevitable. This episode explores the pivotal moments, the legendary films, and the factors that shaped Nigeria’s cinematic journey during this golden era.

🎧 Join us as we explore how Nigeria’s film industry rose to prominence, the cultural influences that shaped its direction, and the transition that set the stage for Nollywood.