Award-winning Nigerian-Canadian actor and filmmaker, Lucky Ejim, has called on Nollywood practitioners to deliberately use film and theatre as tools for promoting positive national values and fostering nation-building.
Ejim made the call while speaking at the January edition of the monthly Reading and Writers Dialogue held over the weekend in Abuja.
The event took place at the Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village and is a flagship programme of the Abuja chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), bringing together writers, literary enthusiasts and creatives from across disciplines.
Ejim was the special guest at the January session, which had the theme, “The Power of Theatre and Film in Shaping Human Progress.”
He noted that in an increasingly globalised world, film has become a powerful medium through which countries project their identity, values and aspirations, stressing the need for Nigerian filmmakers to be conscious of the influence of their work.
The Toronto-based filmmaker encouraged Nollywood professionals to take cues from Hollywood’s portrayal of American heroism, saying cinema can shape global perceptions and influence other societies.
According to him, writers and filmmakers have historically served as agents of change, challenging societal norms and inspiring actions that lead to progress.
“There is no doubt that Nigerian filmmakers face numerous challenges in telling thought-provoking stories.
“But as the voice of society and custodians of history, creatives owe it to the people to continue speaking.
“There are many who are powerless, and if their stories are not told, their voices may never be heard,” he said.
Ejim also observed that Nigeria’s film industry ecosystem has grown significantly, engaging large numbers of young people and contributing meaningfully to the nation’s economy.
He therefore called for stronger investment and institutional support through favourable government policies, improved infrastructure and access to funding.
He cited the rise of skit makers as evidence of Nollywood’s far-reaching influence, noting that many content creators emerged from the industry and are now using digital tools to expand storytelling possibilities.
“Nigeria produces close to 2,500 films annually, with about 99 per cent of them self-funded, which is an incredible achievement.
“With the introduction of co-production treaties in the future, filmmakers will have greater access to funding and better resources to tell more compelling stories,” he said.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Chairman of the ANA Abuja chapter, Chukwudi Eze, described the dialogue as part of the association’s commitment to promoting narratives capable of shaping a better society.
He said the theme was timely, noting that in a world grappling with fractured identities and shifting moral landscapes, the arts remain vital instruments for truth, empathy and transformation.
Eze added that the session provided a platform to examine how theatre and film have influenced human civilisation, from ancient communal storytelling traditions to modern global cinema.
The event featured panel discussions, spoken-word performances, student presentations and award recognitions, leaving participants inspired about the role of creative expression in national development.