Nollywood actress and filmmaker Efe Irele has advised movie producers to find a balance between entertainment and storytelling. She believes that while commercial success is vital, films should also connect emotionally with audiences.

In an interview with Saturday Beats, Irele praised the strides Nigerian filmmakers have made but reminded them that financial sustainability is necessary to keep the industry alive. “We definitely need more emotionally driven stories, but we also can’t dismiss those who focus on commercial success. The industry has to generate money to keep going,” she explained.

She highlighted how streaming platforms have transformed audience behavior, saying that producers must now create films that can draw people out of their homes to the cinema. “Not everyone wants to go to the cinemas anymore, especially with streaming taking over. We have to make movies that make people laugh and enjoy themselves,” she added.

Despite advocating for fun and entertaining films, Irele cautioned against neglecting the emotional and thought-provoking side of filmmaking. She said that these deeper stories help preserve the true essence of cinema.

Efe Irele’s call reflects a growing conversation in Nollywood about balancing art with commerce, ensuring that while filmmakers pursue profits, they also continue to tell powerful, relatable stories that reflect human experiences.