We speak a lot about Nollywood here. If you’ve ever wanted to know what we were talking about, or wanted to learn more, there is a documentary film you must see.
“Nollywood Babylon” is a feature documentary about the explosive popularity of Nigeria’s movie industry.
The film drops viewers into the chaos of Lagos’ Idumota market. Here, among the bustling stalls, films are sold and unlikely stars are born.
Unfazed by low budgets, enterprising filmmakers create a brash, inventive and wildly popular form of B-Movie that has Nigerians Nollywood-obsessed. In these films, voodoo and magic infuse urban stories, reflecting the collision of traditional mysticism and modern culture that Nigerians experience every day.
Ben Addelman and Samir Mallal, present an electric vision of a modern African metropolis and a revealing look at the powerhouse that is Nigerian cinema.
This film was premiered at Sundance, and really opened a lot of eyes. This documentary is important for all independent filmmakers to get an idea of what’s possible, what can go right…and what can go wrong when you create your own vision and tell your own stories. Educational and inspiring!
Samir Mallal outside Liberty Gospel Church
Nollywood Babylon is Ben Addelman and Samir Mallal’s third film.
They began their collaboration at the NFB in Montreal. Their first film, Discordia, screened at festivals and universities around the world. Hailed by The Globe and Mail as “the newest wave in documentary filmmaking”, Discordia won a Gold award at the New York Festival and Best Socio-Political Documentary at the Columbus International Film Festival.
Mallal and Addelman’s second feature, Bombay Calling, was nominated for a Gemini award for Best Socio-Political documentary. It won the Grand Jury prize at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles and premiered at the Hot Docs festival in Toronto. Bombay Calling was also broadcast in over 150 countries on National Geographic International. In 2007, they launched AM Pictures.
More information here.
