Nobody’s Standing In Your Way – Deyemi Okanlawon on Why Nollywood Filmmakers Are Turning To YouTube

More Nigerian filmmakers are choosing YouTube over cinemas and streaming platforms to release their movies, and Nollywood actor-producer Deyemi Okanlawon has shared why.

In a recent interview on Channels TV’s Rubbin’ Minds, Okanlawon described YouTube as a “democratised ” space allowing creators to share their work freely without worrying about gatekeepers or politics.

Taking a film to cinema, it’s really difficult for an independent filmmaker, especially if you’re starting out… That’s why you find now that there are a lot of people who are serious filmmakers, but they are now gravitating towards YouTube, he said.

He explained that traditional distribution, especially in cinemas, is not always financially rewarding for producers. Even with box office success, like his film, which made over ₦130 million, he revealed that only about 40% of those earnings came to him. And it still didn’t cover the film’s production cost.

This conversation comes when many Nigerian filmmakers succeed on YouTube, creating hit films that resonate deeply with audiences. Unlike traditional streaming platforms that demand subscription fees, YouTube only requires data access, making it more accessible to a broader audience.

Some of the most popular YouTube channels now pull in over 10 million views per film, showing the platform’s growing influence. For filmmakers, the appeal lies in its simplicity – films can be shot in just a few days, with fewer logistics and far less stress, making the entire production and distribution process faster, easier, and more direct.

Okanlawon, who took a break from acting in 2019 to understand the film business, joined Silverbird Film Distribution, where he learned about the industry’s back end. He eventually rose to become acting CEO.

He also shared insight into the current state of streaming platforms, saying many are now cautious about Nigerian originals. He believes global players had high hopes for breakout hits like Squid Gameor Money Heist from Nigeria, but those expectations may not have been met.

They were looking for their Squid Game… their Money Heist, he said. I’ve been on some of the biggest films… but I don’t think that it got enough traction.

There are many moving parts to creating a global hit like Squid Game or Money Heist, especially while staying true to our narratives. But we must continue to tell our stories as African people. The success of a film often hinges on casting decisions and the strength of its backing.

The Woman King became a box office success not just because of its compelling story but also due to its A-list cast and substantial financial support. The upcoming Children of Blood and Bone is poised for the same, with a star-studded lineup and massive production muscle behind it. Both films spotlight African stories with the global resources to carry them far. While Nollywood may still be on its way there, anything is possible with the proper funding, and the future is undoubtedly green.

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Chinalurumogu Eze

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