Renowned Nollywood luminary Yul Edochie has issued a fervent plea to filmmakers across Nigeria, urging them to rethink the portrayal of Nigerians in movies set abroad, asserting that current depictions often perpetuate damaging stereotypes and undermine the nation’s image.
Expressing his concerns on his Instagram platform, Edochie lamented the prevalence of narratives that paint Nigerians as caricatures and uncivilized individuals when depicted on foreign soil. He cautioned against the detrimental impact of such storylines, which he believes tarnish the reputation of the country and its people.
Instead, Edochie advocates for a paradigm shift in storytelling, proposing narratives that showcase Nigerians as resilient problem solvers and leaders in their own right. By highlighting the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Nigerians abroad, Edochie believes that filmmakers can play a pivotal role in reshaping perceptions and reclaiming the narrative.
Drawing a sharp contrast with Hollywood practices, Edochie emphasized the need for Nigerian cinema to celebrate the strength and intelligence of its characters, rather than perpetuating stereotypes that diminish their dignity.