Nigerian movie stars demand apology from Leila Djansi for 'insulting' Nollywood

US-based Ghanaian movie producer and director, Leila Djanis has incurred the wrath of Nollywood over some remarks she made about the world’s second largest movie industry.

Some popular faces in Nollywood, including Stella Damasus and Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, are not happy with Leila’s comments in a documentary that that new producers should not be put under the blanket of Nollywood as that would not help their reputation.

Leila further said that the new producers aligning themselves with Nollywood was as bad as a mother calling her son Hitler.

“I don’t think those people; this crop of filmmakers should be put under the umbrella of Nollywood. They should be put independent film because the name carries a lot. If you start tagging it Nollywood, every negative connotation that comes with Nollywood is like calling your son ‘Hitler’,” she said.

Nollywood actress Stella Damasus, in a video posted on Youtube, was quick to condemn Leila comments and said she was “so hurt” by them.

“That is the most derogatory thing that anybody can ever say about the Nigerian movie industry,” she said and added that Leila has insulted some of Nollywood’s celebrated actors.

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde also commenting on the issue on twitter said “…thank You @stelladamasus for saying this better than anyone could have!Ur intelligence has never been in question.”

The actress, who starred in Leila's movie, ‘Ties That Bind’, called on her to apologise. “Just got calls from some of my team here in Ghana that #NollywoodNotHitler is being discussed on Ghanaian Radio. #leilaneedstoapologise”.

Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw also waded in by saying, “WAY TO GOOOOOOO @stelladamasus !!! I am totally Nigerian!! Woooop! Woooop!!!”

“You brought goose pimples on my skin!! Ohh Gbole!!!

@stelladamasus Haters all round. Nollywood can never be deameaned! I stand with you!” she added.

Meanwhile Leila Djanis says she is not going to apologise for the comments.

Nollywood is the second biggest film producer in the world. The film industry, is now priced at $5 billion and makes more films than Hollywood in the U.S.

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Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Ernest Dela Aglanu (Twitter: @delaXdela / Instagram: citizendela)