Former Big Brother Naija star and fast-rising filmmaker Pere Egbi has ignited debate across Nollywood after boldly declaring that South Africa’s movie industry currently edges out Nigeria’s in storytelling, production quality, and professional standards.
Taking to X on August 18, 2025, Pere stated: “No offense to my Nollywood colleagues but you see South Africa, they are ahead of us o when it comes to film production, storytelling, filmmaking, work ethics, name it. They are ahead. We need to collaborate.”
The Bigger Picture
Nollywood may be the second-largest film industry in the world by output, but the long-standing critiques remain—production value, global distribution hurdles, and the depth of narratives. Pere’s comments shine a light on these gaps while pushing for cross-border partnerships as the next big step.
The Hard Truth From Experience
The actor-producer is not just speaking theory. Pere recently disclosed the sobering outcome of his ₦200 million blockbuster, The Silent Intruder. Despite its scale, the film earned just ₦53 million in cinemas, leaving him with only ₦8 million profit. He blamed favoritism and limited cinema support—common frustrations for Nigerian filmmakers.
Industry Echoes
Pere’s view resonates widely. Critics, fans, and insiders often describe South Africa’s film industry as more structured, better resourced, and more internationally visible. Conversations on platforms like Reddit echo the same sentiment: while Nollywood boasts volume, South Africa seems to be winning on polish and exportability.
The Path Forward
Rather than rivalry, Pere suggests collaboration as Nollywood’s strongest play. Joint productions, cross-market distribution, and shared expertise could help Nigeria refine its output while leveraging South Africa’s global visibility.
Key Takeaways: Lessons Nollywood Could Learn
| Challenge Area | South Africa’s Strengths | Nollywood’s Opportunity |
|---|---|---|
| Production & Storytelling | Polished execution and narrative structure | Raise budgets and sharpen scripts |
| Work Ethic & Processes | Stronger pipelines and professionalism | Adopt industry-wide standards |
| Global Reach | International exports and global festivals | Build partnerships and enhance distribution scope |
