Asaba-based Nollywood actor Chizzy Alichi has raised concerns about the lack of recognition for Asaba filmmakers by mainstream media, highlighting the challenges they face in securing funding for quality productions. In a recent interview with Hiptv, she emphasized that Asaba filmmakers invest significantly less in their projects compared to their counterparts in Lagos.
Alichi noted, “The only difference I see here is maybe in the making of the movie. Lagos tends to take their time, especially with the use of props. In Asaba, we believe in mass production as it’s trending. Nollywood is everywhere.”
She pointed out that Asaba actors often gain popularity despite the low-budget nature of their films, making their work accessible to a broader audience. “Most of the Asaba actors are more popular because they make movies on a low budget. It reaches even the village women. Not everyone has time or money to go to the cinema, but those epic movies can be watched by market women, hawkers, and mechanics,” she explained.
However, Alichi stressed the importance of improving production quality, stating, “The world has gone past that kind of movie; they need to step it up a bit.” She called for a shift in focus among Asaba filmmakers to enhance their craft and gain greater recognition in the industry.