Nollywood veteran Osas Ighodaro recently lifted the curtain on a moment many might brush aside—her very first on-screen kiss in Nollywood—which went far beyond anything she had anticipated.
In a candid chat on The Culture League podcast, she revealed how a fellow actor unexpectedly used his tongue during the scene. Despite being mentally prepared for the kiss, the unscripted, unannounced move was a surprise. After all, etiquette demands clear boundaries, especially for moments this intimate.
Her revelation sparked more than just gossip—it spotlighted a crucial gap in Nollywood’s production approach. Unlike Hollywood, which now standardizes the use of intimacy coordinators to choreograph sensitive scenes and secure performer consent, Nollywood still largely considers such professionals a luxury.
Budget constraints and tight shooting schedules, while practical, often sideline the importance of actors’ comfort. Rather than pausing production to clarify consent or rehearse intimate scenes, directors may choose to “get it done.” The cost of rewrites, recasting, or reshoots tends to outweigh the pause for safety—leaving actors to soldier on, sometimes at personal discomfort.
What’s at stake isn’t always about deliberate malice. Sometimes, actors improvise in pursuit of chemistry—believing it elevates authenticity. But without open dialogue, that chemistry can veer into territory that feels exploitative. Nollywood’s lack of systematic guidance or rehearsal around intimate content only compounds the risk.
A Turning Point for Nollywood
Nollywood is on the climb—earning global attention, wielding influence, and telling increasingly bold stories. Yet the industry’s growth must be matched by , professionalism. As Osas’s experience underscores, it’s not enough to shield intimate scenes under the cloak of “realism.” True artistry demands respect—and consent can’t be sacrificed on the altar of efficiency.
Introducing intimacy coordinators could be a game-changer. They’d ensure scenes are well-planned, fully consented to, and consistently repeatable—without crossing personal boundaries. If Nollywood aims to truly enter the global stage, it must protect the actors who bring its stories to life.
Osas Ighodaro may have delivered her anecdote with a laugh, but the message is serious: Nollywood’s next leap will require not just bigger budgets or flashier red carpets—but safer sets and clearer communication.
