In this exclusive interview, Nollywood producer, writer, and actor Dolly Nwaduba shares insights into her incredible journey from the University of Benin to the New York Film Academy, her unique approach to filmmaking, and the challenges she has faced as a female filmmaker. With over 30 feature films to her name, Dolly talks about her inspirations, the evolution of Nollywood, and her plans for the future.
You’ve had an incredible journey from the University of Benin to the New York Film Academy, and now as a successful producer in Nollywood. Can you share some highlights of your journey and what inspired you to pursue filmmaking?
Dolly Nwaduba: My major inspiration for writing and producing is the need to tell original African stories… we are very rich in history and culture… our stories are unique and incomparable. It’s time the world sees us in the right light.
You’ve independently produced over 30 feature films in Nollywood. What do you think sets your films apart from others in the industry?
Dolly Nwaduba: I like to cast right… as a writer, I’m always attached to the characters I create and I love to get the right people to play these characters. I think my movies are also very unique because I make sure the process of creating them is enjoyable for everyone, cast and crew alike… and when you enjoy the process of creating, the product is always impressive.
Your new movie, which you’re currently promoting on your YouTube channel, is getting a lot of attention. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this film and what audiences can expect?
Dolly Nwaduba: It’s a beautiful African story that addresses a lot of issues that plague our society. It also stars the legendary Pete Edochie, the incredibly talented Gideon Okeke, and a host of other fantastic actors. It was directed by the Vice President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN). The story is very dear to me because it was the very first script I ever completed as a young writer.
How do you balance the creative aspects of filmmaking with the business side of things, especially when producing and promoting your movies independently?
Dolly Nwaduba: The business side of things is where it gets a bit tricky, but when you’re trained professionally and also acquire practical knowledge of the business from experience, balancing becomes seamless… especially when you’ve lost money a couple of times like most of us have (laughs), you just have to figure out how to make it work by employing the best hands possible to collaborate with.
You’ve worked with some of the biggest names in Nollywood and Hollywood, including Pete Edochie and Monalisa Chinda. What have been some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned from these collaborations?
Dolly Nwaduba: I’ve learned humility. The best of them all are the most humble. If you sit down with Daddy (Pete Edochie), you will find he’s the most humble and kind person you’ll ever meet. As powerful as he is, he welcomes and treats everyone with respect and dignity.
What challenges have you faced as a female filmmaker in the industry, and how have you overcome them?
Dolly Nwaduba: As a female filmmaker, sometimes people challenge your authority just to get a reaction or to see how you respond to insubordination, especially from females (laughs). I find it quite amusing because we are supposed to be lifting each other up, but you rarely see that happening. Females are usually the most challenging to work with, and I’ve made my peace with that.
You’re not only a filmmaker but also a trained screenwriter and voice-over artist. How do these skills contribute to the films you create, and how do they influence your approach to storytelling?
Dolly Nwaduba: A creative is multi-dimensional, and this means every single one of us can not only write, or act, or sing, or dance, but can do all of these things together. It’s a gift from God, and they all fuse well together.
With over seven years in Nollywood, how have you seen the industry evolve, and where do you see it heading in the next few years?
Dolly Nwaduba: The industry is growing rapidly… in terms of quality and standards, we’ve really evolved. We have better pictures, better actors, more unique stories being put out there, and thanks to some well-meaning individuals and some banks, we now have bigger budgets to work with. In the next couple of years, we’ll experience exponential growth in Nollywood. It’s a great time to be a filmmaker.
For aspiring filmmakers and actors, what advice would you give them about breaking into the industry and making a name for themselves?
Dolly Nwaduba: If you’re coming into the industry in whatever capacity (actor or crew), just make sure you love the job. Because it’s that love and passion that’ll keep you going when things get tough. Trust me, things aren’t always rosy on this side. We work under a lot of harsh conditions, and sometimes it’ll test and push you to breaking point, but if you’re passionate and resilient, you’ll persevere and eventually conquer.
What’s next for Dolly Nwaduba? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re particularly excited about?
Dolly Nwaduba: More jobs, definitely bigger projects, and a lot more collaborations. It’s not a norm here, but we can actually achieve more and grow faster if we collaborate. I’m ready to do more collaborative projects and bigger scale productions. Simply put, Dolly is ready to take on the world.