The Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood, is a colossal entity, celebrated for its prolific output and significant cultural impact. Nollywood is the largest film industry in Africa and ranks third globally in terms of volume, trailing only behind Bollywood and Hollywood. This industry encompasses various facets, from filmmakers producing cinema-bound movies to those creating content for film festivals, YouTube, and social media platforms like Instagram. Nollywood’s expansive reach ensures that it nurtures and embraces every filmmaker, regardless of their platform, making it a dynamic and inclusive hub for storytelling and cinematic expression.
Barnabas Emordi, a prominent Nigerian cinematographer, eloquently captures the essence of Nollywood’s diversity and growth. According to Barnabas, Nollywood embraces every filmmaker, regardless of the intended platform, which is evident in the wide array of Nigerian films available on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and showcased at prestigious film festivals such as Berlinale and Cannes. This inclusivity fosters a thriving environment where filmmakers continuously improve their craft, both technically and in storytelling, contributing to the industry’s overall development and success.
Barnabas Emordi’s career epitomizes the growth and potential of Nollywood. Recently, he celebrated a monumental milestone with the film “A Tribe Called Judah,” which grossed over 1 billion naira at the Nigerian box office, becoming the highest-grossing Nigerian film of all time. This success underscores the strides Nollywood has made in terms of delivery and technical excellence. Barnabas emphasizes that the industry’s continuous improvement is driven by passionate and dedicated filmmakers who add to the development of Nollywood, making it an ever-evolving and resilient entity.
Barnabas Emordi’s journey into cinematography began with a deep-seated love for films, nurtured by a family that avidly consumed Nollywood, Hollywood, and international cinema. Despite initially pursuing a degree in Mathematics, his passion for film led him to intern as a production assistant, eventually discovering his true calling in cinematography. Influenced by the works of renowned cinematographers like Roger Deakins and the insightful book by Blain Brown, Barnabas immersed himself in learning and practicing the craft, rapidly growing into a proficient and respected cinematographer.
In the recent past, Nollywood faced significant challenges in accessing quality equipment. Barnabas recounts his experiences of working in environments with limited resources, which necessitated creativity and quick thinking. These challenges, he notes, have made Nigerian filmmakers more innovative and resourceful, often producing exceptional work despite the constraints. Over time, improvements have been made, with better access to high-quality equipment and support from international brands like Arri. However, the industry still needs a greater volume of equipment, particularly accessories that are essential for achieving complex shots and enhancing overall production quality. The scarcity of adequate accessories often means that filmmakers must improvise or compromise on their creative visions, underscoring the ongoing need for investment and support in this area.
Barnabas Emordi’s approach to cinematography is deeply rooted in the story he aims to tell. He believes in allowing the narrative to dictate the visual style, resulting in a diverse portfolio where each film’s look and feel is unique. Embracing natural light and controlling the visual elements to enhance storytelling, Barnabas ensures that the cinematography never overshadows the story but rather complements and amplifies it. His adaptive style and commitment to the craft have made him a versatile and sought-after cinematographer in Nollywood.
Looking ahead, Barnabas Emordi is optimistic about the future of Nollywood. He envisions continuous growth and improvement, driven by the passion and dedication of Nigerian filmmakers. With ongoing projects, including short films and international collaborations, Barnabas remains at the forefront of Nollywood’s evolution, using his craft to entertain, advocate for change, and amplify voices. His journey and contributions exemplify the resilience and creativity that define Nollywood, positioning it as a powerhouse of cinematic storytelling on the global stage.
Barnabas Emordi’s journey through Nollywood is a powerful example of the vibrant and dynamic nature of the Nigerian film industry. His achievements, dedication, and adaptive approach highlight the potential and resilience of Nollywood and its filmmakers. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, cinematographers like Barnabas Emordi will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping its future, bringing Nigerian stories to the world and showcasing the unique cultural tapestry of Africa through the lens of cinema.
