Nollywood filmmaker Biodun Stephen has urged colleagues to stop announcing cinema earnings, warning that the practice puts unnecessary pressure on other filmmakers and creates a narrow definition of success in the industry.
Stephen made the remarks during Paul & Baaj: In Character podcast, where she argued that publicising box office figures could distract filmmakers from focusing on the quality and impact of their work.
“I think that we really should do away with the announcements,” she said.
“I feel like this is a distractions and it puts pressure on those other people who… feel as if that is the determine and that’s how you determine my success,” she added.
The filmmaker explained that frequent announcements of cinema earnings could make others feel unsuccessful if their projects failed to achieve similar figures.
Using a slippers business as an example, Stephen said people often rush to replicate successful ventures without understanding the effort and strategy behind them.
“Somebody starts selling slippers and people are rushing to buy slippers, the next one… is going to sell slippers… because they think that slippers sells, meanwhile they don’t understand what you have put in to ensure the slipper sells.”
Biodun Stephen also questioned the tendency among some filmmakers and actors to pursue international recognition before establishing a strong presence in Nigeria.
“It’s great to hunger for more, but I always say, have you even conquered Nigeria that can you stand and say that if I go to Kano they know me as an actor?”
She further argued that box office earnings alone were insufficient to determine a film’s quality, longevity or potential to reach international audiences.
According to her, a film could generate substantial cinema revenue without necessarily being outstanding, while a well-made production with export potential might earn less and receive little recognition.
“The film go tough but it can be a lot of crap and then the film that is really good that can travel, that has export value can do 40 million… the only yard stick for measuring success is this very shallow number.”
Explaining her approach to filmmaking, Stephen said her motivation was rooted in purpose rather than the pursuit of box office records or audience numbers.
“I’m doing it because I am living a life of purpose, I’m not chasing the numbers, I’m not chasing the audience.”
She added that the emotional impact of her stories and the difference they made in people’s lives were more meaningful to her than industry awards.
“When people call me to pray… and cry and say thank you so much, Jesus, my work is done, no award.”
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