Why Nollywood needs better financing – Actress Olaseeni Abiola

Olaseeni Abiola Olanike is a Nigerian actress and filmmaker making her mark on the thriving Nollywood film industry.

So far, Olaseeni has graced the screens in numerous films, including ‘Iyawo Alagba’, ‘Alaaya Pupo’, ‘Alaba’, ‘Asake Alagbadana’, and ‘Ana Oba’.

Sharing her experience on her first time on camera, she revealed that her acting debut was not without challenges as she froze from the moment the director called “Action!”

“It was in 2010, and I remember it was a scene with Odunlade Adekola. It was as if I experienced a temporary momentary lapse, possibly due to stage fright. However, with the support of the crew and experienced hands on that set, I was able to overcome my nerves and deliver,” she revealed.

Speaking on what fans can expect, Olaseeni shared plans for her upcoming film project, ‘Mosope’.

According to her, ‘Mosope’, is a film that delves into the complexities of human relationships, exploring the dangers of greed and betrayal. The narrative centers on two friends entangled in a shady deal, highlighting the importance of ethical conduct and the absence of shortcuts to success.

She shared that the film, which was directed by Ayuba Sodunke is primed for a grand U.K. launch in September/October 2024, and boasts an impressive cast, including Mide Martins, Wunmi Toriola, Abiola Olaseeni, Moshood Mayegun, and Oyin Adegbenro.

Also weighing in on the exponential growth of Nollywood, she stated that it is a positive development for the entire industry. She further acknowledges the significant strides made in female representation within Nollywood, expressing her pride in the growing number of strong female characters portrayed by talented actresses, both in cinemas and home videos.

Olaseeni, however, pushed for better financial backing for Nollywood filmmakers, emphasising the need for government support to address the challenges of funding high-quality cinema productions.