In the competitive and rapidly evolving landscape of Nollywood, few names shine as brightly as Dolly Nwaduba. With a career that spans over seven years and more than 30 feature films to her credit, Nwaduba has established herself as a driving force in the Nigerian film industry. In an exclusive interview, the acclaimed producer, writer, and actor opened up about her journey, inspirations, and the challenges she has faced along the way.
A Journey Rooted in Passion
Dolly Nwaduba’s journey into filmmaking was born from a deep-seated passion for storytelling. From her early days at the University of Benin to her professional training at the New York Film Academy, Nwaduba has been driven by a desire to bring original African stories to life. “My major inspiration for writing and producing is the need to tell original African stories,” she shared. “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.”
This commitment to authenticity has been the hallmark of her work, setting her films apart in an industry known for its creativity and innovation.
Crafting Unique Films
Having independently produced over 30 feature films, Nwaduba is known for her meticulous approach to filmmaking. She is particularly invested in the casting process, ensuring that the right actors bring her characters to life. “As a writer, I’m always attached to the characters I create, and I love to get the right people to play these characters,” she explained. “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.”
A New Film on the Horizon
Nwaduba’s latest film, currently generating buzz on her YouTube channel, is a testament to her storytelling prowess. The film, which stars Nollywood legend Pete Edochie and the talented Gideon Okeke, tackles critical issues affecting society through a powerful African narrative. Directed by the vice president of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), this project holds special significance for Nwaduba, as it was the first script she completed as a young writer.
Balancing Creativity and Business
Navigating the business side of filmmaking can be challenging, but Nwaduba has mastered the art of balancing creativity with commercial success. “The business side of things is where it gets a bit tricky,” she admitted. “But when you’re trained professionally and also acquire practical knowledge from experience, balancing becomes seamless… especially when you’ve lost money a couple of times like most of us have,” she laughed. Her ability to learn from these experiences and collaborate with the right professionals has been key to her sustained success.
Lessons from Industry Giants
Throughout her career, Nwaduba has had the privilege of working with some of the biggest names in Nollywood and beyond, including Pete Edochie and Monalisa Chinda. These collaborations have taught her invaluable lessons, particularly the importance of humility. “The best of them all are the most humble,” she noted. “If you sit down with daddy (Pete Edochie), you will find he’s the most humble and kind person you’ll ever meet.”
Overcoming Challenges as a Female Filmmaker
As a female filmmaker, Nwaduba has faced her fair share of challenges, particularly in asserting her authority in a male-dominated industry. “Sometimes people challenge your authority just to get a reaction or to see how you respond to insubordination, especially from females,” she observed. “I find it quite amusing because we are supposed to be lifting each other up, but you rarely see that happening.”
Despite these obstacles, Nwaduba remains undeterred, continuing to push boundaries and break new ground in Nollywood.
A Multi-Dimensional Creative
In addition to her work as a filmmaker, Nwaduba is a trained screenwriter and voice-over artist, skills that have significantly influenced her approach to storytelling. “A creative is multi-dimensional,” she said. “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.”
The Future of Nollywood
With over seven years in the industry, Nwaduba has witnessed Nollywood’s rapid growth firsthand. She is optimistic about its future, noting improvements in the quality of films, the caliber of actors, and the uniqueness of stories being told. “In the next couple of years, we’ll experience exponential growth in Nollywood,” she predicted. “It’s a great time to be a filmmaker.”
Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
For those looking to break into Nollywood, Nwaduba offers simple yet profound advice: “Just make sure you love the job. Because it’s that love and passion that’ll keep you going when things get tough.”
What’s Next for Dolly Nwaduba?
As for what’s next, Nwaduba is ready to take on even bigger challenges. “More jobs, definitely bigger projects, and a lot more collaborations,” she revealed. “It’s not a norm here, but we can actually achieve more and grow faster if we collaborate. Simply put, Dolly is ready to take on the world.”
With her unwavering passion, creativity, and resilience, Dolly Nwaduba continues to shape the future of Nollywood, one groundbreaking film at a time.
