Francis Duru Laments Decline Of Igbo Films, Calls For Industry Revival

Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has expressed deep concern over the diminishing visibility of Igbo-language films and cultural heritage stories in contemporary Nigerian cinema.

Speaking during an interview on Gbam, he called on stakeholders in the Igbo film sector to take urgent action to reclaim their space in the industry.

The award-winning actor pointed out that the Yoruba film industry's success across major cinema windows and streaming platforms like Netflix is not accidental but a result of intentional planning, investment, and collective effort. "When they say charity begins at home, that's what has happened to the Yorubas. We need to learn from them. If you don't protect your own, if you don't project your own, who will do it?," he said.

He lamented that Igbo heritage stories are rarely found on global platforms, adding, "Go to Netflix today; you hardly see one Igbo film that speaks of the Igbo heritage. It's annoying."

The actor also criticized the lack of passion and procedural discipline in the industry, noting that many filmmakers are driven by profit rather than a genuine commitment to storytelling. "They were just merchandising. Not passion. They just wanted to make money," he said.

He questioned why Igbo filmmakers failed to adapt to emerging market opportunities and called for a return to the ethical standards that once guided the industry. "That hallmark of nostalgia is because it was content, passion, and people sat down and thought through every moment, even from audition to rehearsal to casting. It was very procedural. But today it is all step and jump, today script, tomorrow go and sell," he added.

Francis Duru further urged industry leaders to set exemplary standards to guide the next generation of filmmakers.