Nollywood Goes Global At Nigeria Day, Essence Film Festival in New Orleans 

It was a delightful show and toast to a beautiful becoming for Nollywood and its stakeholders at this year’s Nigeria Day at the Essence Festival of Culture. The delegation of industry stakeholders, led by the CEO of That Good Media Toyosi Etim-Effiong, represented the country and showcased her cinematic ideals on the global stage at the special event held on Saturday July 1st, 2023 in New Orleans.

The delegation of stakeholders who have been involved in the development and success of Nollywood over the years included Stella Damasus, Yolanda Okereke-Fubara, Biodun Stephen, Stan Nze, Richard Mofe Damijo,  Mofe Duncan, Daniel Etim Effiong, , Ijeoma Onah, Ayoola Ayolola, Osas Ighodaro, Deyemi Okanlawon, Shawn Faqua, Omowumi Dada, Timini Egbuson, Seun Ajayi and Uzor Arukwe.

For the first time in history, the Essence Festival of Culture featured an Africa House and Nigeria Day. In the spirit of promoting original Nigerian stories through the screens and celebrating talents, That Good Media partnered with the Essence Film Festival to make Nigeria Day a memorable one. Since its inception in 1995, the Essence Film Festival  has been a veritable platform for celebrating African-American culture and showcasing the different voices in the film industry. It has also been a global force for uniting filmmakers and stakeholders all over the world,  promoting inclusivity and lending prominence to the unique experiences of diverse communities.

Nigeria Day at the Essence Festival of Culture was an unforgettable experience dedicated to the celebration of the effervescent Nigerian film industry, popularly called Nollywood. With Nollywood being the largest African film industry and second most prolific film industry in the world, a formidable front was presented at Nigeria Day. By hosting Nigeria Day, Essence Film Festival recognized the efflorescence and global impact of the Nigerian film industry.

Reacting to the partnership with Essence, Toyosi Etim-Effiong stated that:

The Essence Film Festival attracts the best of the best in Hollywood and having Africa be a part of it is a step in the right direction. Nollywood is the second-largest film industry in the world, and in this era of inclusion, diversity, and representation, its titles should be found on all content platforms worldwide. Through Nigeria Day at Essence, we are giving the rest of the world a glimpse into our world and invariably, our stories. We hope that this collaboration sparks flames of cultural exchange between Nollywood and the rest of the world.

The Chief of Staff of Diversity of Essence Barque Tubman said:

Being here right now feels like home. I have to say a huge thank you to all of you. But I must really honour the team Ama and Lamonia and of course our sister, Toyosi. She worked tirelessly.  We have main stages and what we do belongs on the big screens. The big screens that the world must experience. Next year we will do things in our spaces but we must take it out to the rest of the world.  That is the commitment that Essence Ventures has. That is what my role is as diasporic engagement: that we continue to bridge the gap and that we share all our stories.

Highlights of the occasion included a panel session on Promoting Cultural Exchange and Inclusivity in Hollywood Productions with Nkechi Caroll, Folake Olowofoyeku, Gina Yashere, Kay Jegede and Osas Ighodaro all reflecting on the Hollywood-Nollywood possibilities. The conversation branched into recent collaborations between Nollywood and Hollywood and the need for more cultural exchange and aesthetic synergy.

Nigeria Day included other panel discussions led by Nollywood experts sharing their thoughts on Creating and Promoting Global Content and How to Partner with Nollywood. Also in place were film screenings, fireside chats and opportunities for networking geared towards fostering collaborations between Nollywood and their global counterparts.