Nigerian Films Depicts Real Emotions: Niji Akanni

In place of exaggerating human emotions for financial gain, Nigerian films focus on depicting real and natural human emotions and psychological stature, expressed noted director Niji Akanni. He was participating in ‘meet the director’ program held as part of the second day schedule of 18^th IFFK at Sree Theater. These films are a mirror to the existing socio-cultural situation in Nigeria, he added.

‘Nollywood’, colloquial word for the Nigerian film industry, is gain much attention and popularity in the world cinema canvas. And the world wide increase in audience for Nigerian films, which are mostly low budget ones, are a big hope for the industry, expressed Akanni.  ‘Heroes and Zeros’ and ‘Aramatou’ are Akanni’s films in the ‘Country in Focus’ category of the festival.

The history of ‘Nollywood’ goes back to the time of 35mm reels, Nigerian film curator Jun Juwani said. Film festivals are the perfect stage for the good films which are unable to draw audience attention in midst of the commercial films, said Sidhartha Siva, director of ‘101 Chodhyangal’ included in the festival’s competition category.