Veteran actor and filmmaker Ramsey Nouah has spoken out against the growing trend of separating Nigeria's film industry into "old" and "new" Nollywood. In a recent interview on Isbae U's YouTube programme, Curiosity Made Me Ask, Nouah argued that there is only one Nollywood, which has evolved over different generations. He made these remarks while discussing his career, the Nigerian film industry, and the changes that have taken place over the years.
Nouah's comments were in response to a question about whether he would choose "old Nollywood" over "new Nollywood". He challenged the premise of the question, pointing out that other major film industries, such as Hollywood, are not routinely divided in the same manner. Nouah referenced classic Hollywood productions like *The Godfather* and *The Sound of Music*, which remain part of the same Hollywood industry despite being produced decades ago.
According to Nouah, Nollywood should be viewed in the same way, as a single industry with a shared history and evolution. "Honestly, there's no new and old Nollywood. It's the same Nollywood," he said. "We're all the same players. It's the same filmmakers, the same actors, the same directors and producers. We're all Nigerians." This perspective emphasizes the continuity and unity of the industry.
Nouah, who rose to fame during the home-video era, also stressed the importance of younger actors and filmmakers understanding the history of the industry they are now part of. He reflected on his own career, which has spanned decades and seen him move from acting to filmmaking and directing as Nollywood expanded into cinemas and other distribution platforms.
The conversation also touched on Nouah's background, with him revealing that his father is Lebanese while his mother is from Ondo State. He said he was born and raised in Lagos. This personal insight provides a glimpse into the life of one of Nollywood's most recognizable faces.
Nouah also discussed his experience working on the 2016 historical drama *76*, which was set against events surrounding the assassination of former Head of State, Murtala Mohammed. He recalled a motorcycle accident he had experienced and how the incident was subsequently reported in the media. These anecdotes showcase Nouah's diverse experiences in the industry.
Throughout the interview, Nouah maintained that the changes in the industry do not amount to the creation of a separate "new Nollywood". "It's the same Nollywood," he said. With a career spanning decades, Nouah's perspective carries significant weight in the Nigerian film industry.
Key points
- Ramsey Nouah rejects the 'new Nollywood' label, emphasizing the industry's continuity and unity.
- Nouah stresses the importance of understanding the industry's history for younger actors and filmmakers.
- The veteran actor reflects on his career, from the home-video era to filmmaking and directing.
