Filmmaker Omoni Oboli says Nollywood tells more original stories than Hollywood, dismisses predictability concerns and highlights global interest in Nigerian films

Actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli has declared that Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry, boasts more original stories than Hollywood, while also pushing back against frequent criticisms about predictability in Nigerian films.

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In a video message shared online, Oboli addressed what she sees as an unfair standard applied to Nollywood storytelling. She insisted that predictability does not diminish the value of a story if the narrative is compelling and well-delivered.

“A story can be predictable, but if it’s well told, people will still watch it and enjoy it,” she said, stressing that the emotional and creative journey within a film matters more than a twist ending.

Drawing a comparison with Hollywood, Oboli challenged viewers to identify unpredictable plots in widely celebrated American films. “I hear people say, Oh, these movies are predictable.

I’m like, name five or ten Hollywood movies that are not predictable. We all know the superhero is going to win the day. If it’s a romantic comedy, you know the girl is going to get the guy or the guy is going to get the girl.”

According to her, the strength of Nollywood lies in its unique cultural perspective and originality. “Stories have never really been our problem.

I feel like in this part of the world, we have actually more original stories than outside of Nigeria. I dare say that Nollywood has more original stories than Hollywood.”

She argued that audiences are drawn not just to outcomes but to the richness of storytelling and character arcs. “If the journey is interesting, you know where it’s going, but the journey is just so interesting. It keeps you glued.”

The filmmaker also revealed the growing global appeal of Nollywood, citing YouTube data that shows diverse international audiences engaging with Nigerian content.

“It’s not just Nigerians or Africans watching. People from all over the world are tuning in to enjoy our stories,” she said. “Sometimes you see some countries like, really? Do they watch our movies there? And it’s not even just Nigerians or Africans in those places.

It’s literally that people are getting more and more interested.”

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Oboli’s comments reflect the rising confidence among Nigerian filmmakers in their craft, and the shifting perception of Nollywood as a global force in storytelling.