Omoni Oboli Says Nollywood Has More Original Stories Than Hollywood
Veteran actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli has boldly stated that Nollywood tells more original stories than Hollywood, sparking fresh debate over creativity in the global film industry. In a recent interview, the 47-year-old actress emphasized that Nigeria’s film industry offers a wealth of unique and compelling stories that Hollywood often lacks.
Oboli, who has spent over 20 years in Nollywood, dismissed claims that Nigerian movies are predictable. She argued that while Nollywood has improved technically over the years, originality has always been one of its strongest assets.
“Our movies have become so much better than they used to be,” she said. “We’ve always had good stories, so stories have never really been our problem.”
The Edo-born filmmaker contrasted Nollywood’s storytelling with what she described as Hollywood’s repetitive tropes, particularly in genres like superhero films and romantic comedies.
“I dare say that Nollywood has more original stories than Hollywood,” she stated. “When people say Nollywood movies are predictable, I ask them to name five Hollywood films that aren’t. We all know the superhero wins. In romcoms, the guy always gets the girl.”
Oboli also touched on the rising global interest in Nigerian films. She mentioned that platforms like YouTube have revealed how Nollywood content is now watched across various continents, not just by Nigerians but by a growing international audience.
“YouTube shows you where people are watching from, and our films are being viewed all over the world,” she explained. “We have a lot of very original stories, and the world is loving it.”
While preparing for her role as a sex worker in the upcoming ‘Domitila’ sequel, Oboli remains one of Nollywood’s most outspoken advocates for authentic African storytelling. She believes it’s not just about how a film ends, but how well the story is told along the way.
As the global film industry continues to evolve, Oboli’s remarks serve as a proud reminder of Nollywood’s growing creative influence and its ability to compete with even the biggest names in cinema through originality and culture-rich storytelling.
