Actress and filmmaker Efe Irele is calling on her colleagues in the Nigerian film industry to strike a balance between commercial appeal and meaningful storytelling. In a recent interview with Saturday Beats, she emphasised that while box-office success is necessary, emotional depth and authentic narratives must not be overlooked. 

Irele complimented filmmakers for raising the production bar, but she also pointed out that the industry must remain financially sustainable. “I must commend a lot of filmmakers right now; we’re all pushing the bar higher. We definitely need more emotionally driven stories, but we also can’t dismiss those who focus on commercial success. At the end of the day, the industry has to generate money to keep going,” she said. 

Balancing laughs and depth

With streaming platforms changing how audiences consume movies, Irele noted that sitting in a theatre must still feel worth it. “Not everyone wants to go to the cinemas anymore, especially with streaming taking over. We have to make movies that make people laugh, unwind, and enjoy themselves, because that’s what a lot of viewers are looking for,” she explained. 

At the same time, Irele stressed that films with emotional weight remain vital. Stories that evoke thought, provoke feeling and reflect society’s realities contribute to the soul of the craft. She urged filmmakers not to abandon those pieces even as they chase market success. 

Irele’s comments arrive at a pivotal moment for the industry. As Nigerian cinema gains global recognition and streaming services widen their reach, the pressure to deliver both entertainment value and narrative depth is growing. She encouraged upcoming filmmakers to harness this opportunity by producing works that appeal locally and resonate internationally. 

In her view, entertainment need not lose substance. Instead, the most successful films will be those that manage to engage audiences while also offering memorable, emotionally rich experiences.