Nigeria Film Industry: Nollywood's popularity sparks demand for more film-makers

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03:10

The Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, is a massive money-maker for the West African country. The increasing popularity of Nollywood films globally has created a demand for more professional film-makers in Nigeria. CGTN's Samson Omale visited a school in Jos that's training the next generation of directors and producers.

They're learning the same techniques used by the world's most successful filmmakers in Hollywood, in Bollywood, and here, in Nollywood.

The National Film Institute in Jos is a state-run school with a mission.

BRIAN ETUK, SPOKESPERSON NATIONAL FILM INSTITUTE "We produce a set of filmmakers who are vibrant, up to par with new technology, who are anxious and want to test their skills."

The school emphasizes cutting-edge technology in cinematography, animation, lighting technique and sound production classes. They also teach direction, screen writing, and acting. These freshmen are working on a stage play.

ELIZABETH NYAGER, LECTURER NATIONAL FILM INSTITUTE "We know that acting for the stage is different from acting for film. But there are basic commonalities that can be highlighted that would even help the student in the industry."

The National Film Institute in Jos has a student population of six hundred.

These students writing their final production examination are part of a set of one hundred graduating students.

Nigeria's film industry produces as many as 1,200 films a year. As of 2014, Nollywood was worth US 5.1 billion dollars and makes up 5% of Nigeria's GDP.

SAMSON OMALE JOS, NIGERIA "The National Film Institute Jos says several graduates of this school are involved in at least thirty percent of the Nollywood movies in production at any given time. Many of the Institute's students and alumni are dreaming big, hoping to make it not only in Nollywood, but to get their films recognized across the globe."

Graduate Isaac Benjamin Inedu says he's already reaped the benefits of the lessons he learned at the National Film Institute.

ISAAC BENJAMIN INEDU, GRADUATE NATIONAL FILM INSTITUTE "I learned that film making is story telling, not just mounting a camera and action then editing. I learned the art of telling stories with pictures."

Nollywood has begun producing a larger volume of movies than Hollywood.

And with the recent induction of Nigerians into the Oscars' jury, the teachers and students here at the Nigerian Film Institute are all working on the skills that may help bring Hollywood recognition for Nollywood films.

Samson Omale, CGTN, Jos, Nigeria.