Experienced Nollywood actress Genevieve Nnaji has shared her insights on her experiences trying to find collaborations in Hollywood following the box office success of her 2018 film LionHeart, which Netflix purportedly paid $3.8 million for.
She added that the experience made her realize that she was a commodity and that she never received the support she had anticipated in Hollywood.
She clarified that Hollywood merely desired what she has for their own gain.
During a panel discussion at the 2024 AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum/Afreximbank Annual Meeting, the actor revealed this.
“I realized for the first time that I was a commodity,” she remarked. I reasoned that I would have more opportunities to accomplish more after what I had accomplished with Lionheart. Reaching the destination and receiving the kind of assistance that CANEX is undoubtedly providing, but I mistakenly believed I might locate it in Hollywood. That was not entirely accurate.
“They desired what I have, but for their advantage. Their narrative took center stage. It was all about how, since they did have a wealth of literature in their archives, I could make it more real to their own concept of whatever Africa is, even if it was our story.
She added that she had the option to travel to Hollywood years ago but chose to stay behind to support Nollywood’s growth.