Igbo Filmmakers Losing Ground To Yoruba Counterparts – Francis Duru

Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has expressed concern over the declining presence of Igbo-centric stories in modern Nigerian cinema, urging filmmakers and investors from the region to learn from the success of their Yoruba counterparts.

Speaking during an interview on the YouTube show Gbam, Duru noted that Yoruba producers currently dominate major cinema release dates and global streaming platforms like Netflix because they organized early, pooled resources, and intentionally promoted their local culture.

“When they say charity begins at home, that is what happened to the Yorubas,” Duru said. “They created an opportunity, organized themselves, and protected their own. Go to Netflix today; you hardly see one Igbo film that speaks on Igbo heritage.”

Duru explained that many early Igbo film pioneers viewed movie production purely as a trading business rather than a creative enterprise, leading to a loss of influence as the industry evolved.

He also lamented that rich Igbo historical figures and classic literary works are being overlooked by local creators, leading filmmakers from other regions to step in to tell those stories.

While acknowledging that modern streaming and digital platforms have expanded Nollywood’s reach, Duru urged veteran filmmakers to reinstate professional discipline, proper auditioning, and high production ethics to set better standards for the broader industry.