Asaba filmmakers don’t invest enough on film production- Chizzy Alichi

Nollywood actress Chizzy Alichi has shed light on the challenges faced by Asaba filmmakers in gaining mainstream recognition.

In a recent interview with HipTV, the actress attributed the limited recognition of Asaba actors within mainstream Nollywood to be insufficient funding, as a significant obstacle to quality production.

Chizzy Alichi explained that the primary difference between Asaba and Lagos filmmakers lies in their approach to production, with Lagos prioritizing production excellence and props, while Asaba fast-paced high volume approach often result in lower production standard.

Alichi also emphasized that Asaba actors are more popular due to their low-budget films, which cater to a broader audience, including those in rural areas and lower-income communities who may not have access to streaming platforms or cinemas.

However, the actress stressed that Asaba filmmakers need to improve their production quality to gain mainstream recognition, as the industry has evolved beyond the current standards.

“The only difference I see here is maybe in the making of the movie. Lagos tends to take their time especially the use of props. There in Asaba, we believe in mass production as e dey hot. Nollywood is everywhere.

“Most of the Asaba actors are more popular because they make the movie with a low budget. It goes to even the village women. Not everybody has time or money to come to the cinema but those epic movies; even the market women, the hawkers, the mechanics, they can watch.

“The world has gone past that kind of movie, they need to step up,” she concluded.