Nollywood producer, Dolly Nwaduba talks future of African Storytelling

Dolly Nwaduba, a renowned writer, actor, and producer, has made a name for herself in the Nollywood industry with over 30 independently produced feature films to her credit. A graduate of the prestigious New York Film Academy and the University of Benin, Dolly has worked with some of the biggest names in Nollywood and Hollywood, including Pete Edochie, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Chika Ike, Monalisa Chinda, Frederick Leonard, Tchidi Chikere, Jeta Amata, and more.

In an exclusive interview, Dolly shared her journey into the film industry, her inspirations, and the challenges she has faced as a female filmmaker.

Dolly’s passion for storytelling is rooted in her desire to showcase original African stories and culture. “Our stories are unique and incomparable,” she said. “It’s time the world sees us in the right light.” This inspiration is evident in her films, which often address social issues and promote African values.

When asked what sets her films apart, Dolly credited her attention to casting and her ability to create an enjoyable production process for both cast and crew. “I like to cast right… I love to get the right people to play the characters I create,” she said.

Dolly’s latest movie, currently billed for Amazon Prime, promises to be another blockbuster. Starring Pete Edochie, Gideon Okeke, and other talented actors, the film addresses pressing social issues and showcases Dolly’s skill as a writer and producer.

Balancing the creative and business aspects of filmmaking can be challenging, especially for independent producers. Dolly attributed her success to her professional training and practical experience. “When you’ve lost money a couple of times, you just have to figure out how to make it work,” she joked.

Dolly’s collaborations with industry giants have taught her valuable lessons, particularly the importance of humility. “The best of them are the most humble,” she said. “If you sit down with daddy (Pete Edochie), you will find he’s the most humble and kind person you’ll ever meet.”

As a female filmmaker, Dolly has faced her share of challenges, including resistance to her authority. However, she has learned to navigate these obstacles and focus on lifting other women up.

Dolly’s multi-talented background as a screenwriter, actor, and voice-over artist influences her approach to storytelling. “A creative is multi-dimensional,” she said. “We can do all of these things together.”

With a career spanning seven years, Dolly Nwaduba has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in Nollywood. Her dedication to showcasing African stories and culture has earned her a reputation as a talented and innovative filmmaker.

Some of Dolly’s notable works include “Distance Between,” “One Wish,” “Beguiling,” “Serendipity,” “Dawn,” “Poetic Justice,” “Chasing Dreams,” and “A Star in The Dark.” Her profile and some of her work can be found on the official Internet Movie Database (IMDB) page.

As Dolly continues to push boundaries in the film industry, her passion for African storytelling remains at the forefront of her work.