By Damilola Fatunmise
Henrietta Ibekwe, widely known in Nollywood as Henny Black, has expressed strong conviction that greater governmental representation for the Nigerian film industry is essential.
She believes this would enable the articulation of the challenges and concerns facing Nollywood, ultimately leading to necessary reforms aimed at elevating the sector.
In this interview with Sunday Sun, the veteran actress discussed her journey in Nollywood, the issue of sexual harassment, and other pertinent topics. Excerpt:
What inspired you to be an actress and how did you get started in Nollywood?
My inspiration for acting was drawn from my passion when I was a young girl. I started acting at the age of eight in church and then progressed into stage acting while I was in Kaduna. It has always been something I have loved doing, and over the years, I have been able to evolve and perfect my craft which has landed me amazing roles with top producers and directors in Nollywood, and my greatest aspiration will be to feature in Hollywood.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced as a Nollywood actress?
One of my challenges as an actress was when I had an accident while filming on set, I sprained an ankle while trying to perfect a stunt for a challenging role I eventually perfected and I told the executive producer and director about my predicament and the executive producer showed a nonchalant attitude towards me. She didn’t send me to the hospital and she didn’t even put me in an Uber to go back; and treatment about it, they took the matter very lightly and that had me bedridden for two months before I could eventually walk again. She and the director both blocked my line. It was a tragic experience for me, but these are some of the obstacles we face before eventually making a breakthrough in the tough world of acting. Another challenge is late-night shooting in Nollywood, which is very risky. Sometimes actors finish shooting at about 2:00a.m and some productions don’t make provision for accommodation and if your home is far away you put yourself at risk of armed robbery, or kidnapping while commuting back home.
We have seen a lot of evolution in Nollywood in terms of story-telling, production quality, and global reach; what do you think sets Nollywood apart from other industries like Hollywood and Bollywood?
What sets Nollywood apart from other film industries like Hollywood and Bollywood is its originality in storytelling. Nollywood stays true to its roots by authentically portraying Nigerian culture, traditions, and everyday experiences. From the producers to the actors and crew members, the industry is driven by Nigerians who tell stories from a uniquely Nigerian perspective, without cultural appropriation. This authenticity resonates with audiences worldwide, drawing viewers who appreciate the raw, relatable, and deeply cultural narratives Nollywood presents. By staying true to its identity, Nollywood has cultivated a strong global following and continues to showcase Nigeria’s rich heritage to the world.
There are common misconceptions that men/women directors sleep with upcoming actors/actresses for movie roles, what is your opinion about that?
My opinion about sex for a role is that it is your choice if you want to subscribe to that lifestyle. It is not a do-or-die affair. You can reject it or choose to have sex and lose the role at the end of the day. One could also reject it and uphold your dignity.
Do you think the industry is getting support from the government and the private sector?
In my opinion, Nollywood does not receive enough support from the government. Despite being one of the largest film industries in the world, there is still a lack of substantial government funding, infrastructure, and policies to help the industry grow.
However, the private sector has played a crucial role in supporting Nollywood through sponsorships, investments, and partnerships.
Many brands and corporate organizations recognize the industry’s potential and have contributed to its development. While this private-sector support is valuable, increased government involvement in areas like funding, training, and international promotion would further strengthen Nollywood’s global impact.
What role do women play in Nollywood, and how has the industry evolved in terms of gender representation?
Women have played a significant and transformative role in Nollywood, making a positive impact both in front of and behind the camera. Over the years, the industry has evolved to include more female producers and directors, allowing women to take control of storytelling and bring important narratives to the forefront. I am speaking of the likes of Kemi Adetiba, Mo Abudu, Ruth Kadiri, Jade Osiberu, Funke Akindele, Emem Isong, Omoni Oboli, and Mary Njoku, amongst others. Through their influence, Nollywood has increasingly highlighted issues affecting women, such as gender-based violence, rape, and societal struggles faced by the girl child. This progress not only amplifies women’s voices but also promotes gender equality and empowers future generations of female filmmakers and actors.
How do you balance being an actress with other aspects of your life, such as family and business?
Balancing being an actress, family, and business has not been easy, but as we all, women have always been the driving force of society. For me, it has not been so challenging because my children are all adults. I don’t have many responsibilities now at my age. I take acting as my retirement job and passion, so I have a lot of time on my hands now, so I can easily juggle things. I love acting, and on days when I am not acting, I handle my other businesses.
What are some social issues in Nigeria that Nollywood films should address more?
The social issues I think Nollywood should address more would be gender-based violence, equality and equity and citizens’ right to prevent exploitation and manipulation in society.
Do you think Nollywood should have more representation in government?
Yes, I strongly believe that Nollywood should have greater representation in government. Having industry representatives in positions of influence would help voice the challenges and issues facing Nollywood, ultimately driving necessary reforms to elevate the industry. Increased government involvement could lead to improved production quality, better funding, and stronger policies to protect the rights and earnings of actors. Nollywood is filled with immense talent, yet much of its potential remains untapped. More representation in government would ensure that the entertainment sector gets the support it needs to thrive on a global scale.
What changes would you like to see in Nigeria’s film industry in the next five years?
In the next five years, I would love to see the Nigerian film industry expand its horizons by incorporating more stunt-driven action movies and creating indigenous superheroes. Nigeria has a rich history of folklore and mythology, with legendary figures like Sango, Moremi, Margaret Ekpo, Yemoja, and Princess Amina, who could be transformed into compelling on-screen heroes. By showcasing these indigenous legends in the same way Hollywood has popularized characters like Superman, Wonder Woman, and Spider-Man, Nollywood could captivate global audiences while preserving and celebrating African heritage. This shift would not only boost the industry’s international appeal, but also inspire a new generation of storytellers and filmmakers.