Politics and Economics of Streaming Nollywood Films on Netflix

The rise of digital streaming platforms like Netflix has reshaped the global entertainment landscape, providing unprecedented opportunities for local industries to reach international audiences. For Nollywood, Nigeria’s prolific film industry, Netflix offers a critical gateway to global visibility. However, our analyst notes that a closer look at the streaming dynamics of Nollywood movies reveals the underlying political economy of this relationship, marked by questions of representation, access, and cultural commodification.

Understanding the Landscape

Exhibit 1 illustrates the distribution of selected Nollywood movies on Netflix, highlighting their producers and directors. Names like Moses Inwang, Niyi Akinmolayan, and Oluseyi Obid emerge as dominant figures, with five movies each on the platform. Meanwhile, several others, including Funke Akindele and Kunle Afolayan, hold a smaller but significant presence. This uneven distribution raises critical questions about how content is selected and whose stories are amplified in the global arena.

Market Representation and Inclusion

The dominance of a few producers and directors on Netflix’s Nollywood catalogue suggests a concentration of power and influence. While this might reflect the appeal and production quality of their work, it also hints at barriers to entry for lesser-known filmmakers. In a diverse industry like Nollywood, such concentration could stifle creativity and limit the diversity of narratives presented to global audiences.

Netflix’s selection criteria likely prioritise commercial viability and audience appeal, potentially sidelining experimental or grassroots productions. This poses a challenge for emerging creators, who may struggle to break into the platform’s curated catalogue. To address this imbalance, Netflix and similar platforms should actively seek to diversify their Nollywood offerings, providing equal opportunities for a broader range of voices.

Exhibit 1: Selected streamed Nollywood movies on Netflix and their producers/directors

Content Selection and Gatekeeping

As a global streaming giant, Netflix plays the role of a gatekeeper, deciding which Nollywood stories make it to its platform. This curatorial power significantly shapes global perceptions of Nigerian culture. The emphasis on commercially appealing content risks marginalizing narratives that challenge dominant ideologies or delve into less marketable but culturally significant themes.

For instance, the frequent representation of romantic comedies or action-packed dramas might overshadow stories rooted in local traditions, histories, or social issues. This dynamic reflects the broader interplay of cultural hegemony and corporate interests, where market demands often dictate the type of content that receives visibility.

Economic Impact and Power Dynamics

The streaming of Nollywood movies on Netflix undoubtedly generates significant revenue, but it also raises questions about the distribution of economic benefits. Do local creators receive fair compensation for their work, or does Netflix’s global dominance skew financial gains disproportionately in its favour?

Producers and directors with higher representation, such as those mentioned in Exhibit 1, likely possess greater bargaining power. This could lead to an unequal allocation of resources, further entrenching the dominance of established figures while limiting opportunities for emerging talents. Transparent revenue-sharing mechanisms and equitable contracts are essential to ensure that all creators benefit fairly from their inclusion on the platform.

Exhibit 2: Released years of selected movies and their number per year

Cultural Commodification

The commodification of Nollywood narratives to fit global streaming preferences is another critical concern. While Netflix’s involvement enhances Nigeria’s cultural visibility, it risks homogenizing the stories told. The prioritization of universally marketable themes over authentic, locally rooted narratives could dilute the richness of Nigerian culture.

For instance, the emphasis on commercially successful genres might lead to the underrepresentation of stories addressing complex social issues, historical events, or indigenous traditions. This tension between cultural authenticity and marketability underscores the need for a balanced approach that respects local storytelling traditions while catering to global audiences.

Global Visibility and Soft Power

On the positive side, Netflix’s streaming of Nollywood movies contributes significantly to Nigeria’s soft power. By showcasing Nigerian talent and storytelling on a global platform, the country strengthens its cultural influence and fosters cross-cultural understanding. However, this visibility must be accompanied by efforts to ensure that the narratives presented are representative of Nigeria’s diversity and complexity.

Policymakers and industry stakeholders have a role to play in negotiating favourable terms with platforms like Netflix. By advocating for policies that protect the interests of local creators, they can ensure that Nollywood’s global expansion benefits all stakeholders, not just a select few.

Exhibit 3: Added years of selected movies on Netflix and their number per year

 Possible Balanced Ecosystem

Netflix should expand its Nollywood catalogue to include works from lesser-known producers and directors. This will promote inclusivity and showcase the full spectrum of Nigerian storytelling. Transparent revenue-sharing agreements and equitable contracts should be established to protect the economic interests of local creators.

Platforms should strike a balance between commercial viability and the representation of authentic, locally rooted narratives. This will help preserve the cultural richness of Nollywood. Initiatives such as grants, workshops, and mentorship programs can help emerging filmmakers gain access to global platforms and audiences.

Nigerian policymakers should collaborate with industry stakeholders to create an enabling environment for local creators. This includes negotiating favourable terms with streaming platforms and supporting capacity-building initiatives.