Nollywood took the spotlight at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) when Nigerian producer Charles Okpaleke called for new ways to fund and support the growing film industry.

The Nollywood Brunch, held on September 8 at the W Hotel in Toronto, Canada, was organised by Charles Okpaleke (Charles of Play) and Moses Babatope.

It brought together stars, producers, and film executives, including Dakore Akande, Ramsey Nouah, Audu Makori, Dr Shaibu Husseini, the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Joy (Blue Pictures), Ijeoma Onah (NIFS), Kemi Lala Akindoju, AY, Rogers Ofime, Lily Afe and Linda Osifo, among others.

Okpaleke said Nollywood has already achieved remarkable things, but warned that without strong systems, progress could fade.

“To whom much is given, much is expected,” Okpaleke told the room.

“Our industry has accomplished extraordinary work with limited resources. The question now is how we build the structures, finance, policy, distribution and IP protection that will allow those achievements to last.”

At the same time, Okpaleke warned about the risks of digital platforms like YouTube, stating that while these platforms have given young filmmakers a chance to share their work, many at the brunch worried that the push for quick content might lower standards.

“Accessibility must not become an excuse for lowering production standards,” Okpaleke added.

“Our digital future should reflect the excellence the world already recognises.”