The Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has promised better days for stars and stakeholders in the Nigerian movie industry.

The Minister who was at the second edition of Netflix’s Light, Camera… Naija, held in Victoria Island, Lagos, said previous administrations paid little attention to the creative sector but the present administration is putting policies in place to turn the sector around.

This year, Nollywood took centre stage in an unforgettable night dedicated to honouring the Pioneers, Pillars, and Players of the industry.

The event was a brilliant showcase of the essence of Nollywood, merging the magic of film with spectacular fashion moments.

Guests came in their cabaret chic outfits ranging from sequined gowns to bold tailored suits and were received by the night’s host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu. True to his craft, Ebuka captivated attendees with his engaging commentary and flair, making the event all the more memorable.

This year, Netflix celebrated the Pioneers; who are the practitioners who built the early iterations of Nollywood, the Pillars; who are the off-screen talent, and Players – the on-screen talent who delight and excite audiences.

Musawa was received by Netflix VP of Content, Middle East and Africa, Ben Amadasun.

It was an exciting night with live performances from music sensations Victony and Sharpband. It is safe to pronounce this year’s edition of Lights, Camera…Naija! a dazzling celebration of creativity, artistry, and community within Nollywood.

Speaking with The Guardian, the minister said: “This event is amazing. Walking into the room, I felt I was amongst giants. These are Nigeria greats who put Nigeria at the forefront of entertainment in the world. Everybody wants a piece of Nigeria because of what our musicians and actors have been able to propagate so, I think it’s important to have that kind of recognition Netflix is giving them.

“Events like this are important to ensure that Nigerian creatives get the rightful recognition they deserve.

When asked about the ministry’s plans for creatives in the industry, she said: “We are creating an enabling environment for creatives. People in the industry do not have the opportunities to grow because they don’t have the support. The government has not given them the environment before now so, we want to put policies, regulations and infrastructure in place, funding and the right platforms where they will have the network, access and support they need.

“This is the first time a ministry has been creative to cater for the needs of the industry. When I came to the ministry, I found out that nothing had been done to create the needed environment to foster growth. We must also note that the people in the industry have been able to be successful on their own now government is needed to come in. The government is committed to the industry and we will make everything accessible. The government is also looking at leveraging public-private partnerships to support investment and infrastructure in the sector. I think it’s better days for players in the industry. The government is committed to the industry.

Speaking during the event, Nollywood veteran actor, Prince Jide Kosoko said: “I feel great, seeing Netflix as being fully committed to the industry and I appreciate this, recognizing the stakeholders.

“Netflix efforts is the reason we have very stiff competition in the industry today, everybody has been trying to outshine each other by producing fantastic movies.

“Netflix promotion, involvement and is what is giving us the strength to continue to move ahead.

When asked about how the industry has been fairing in the last seven years, he said: “I will take you down memory lane, we in the Yoruba sector of the industry started with cinema culture and at a point it stopped because of the no availability of foreign exchange for post-production way back in 1985. Thereafter, we started seeing cinema houses projecting us which was a leverage, people started improving on productions and then Netflix came.

“It might not be at the level we expected but we have improved, more is still coming.

When asked about his future project, he said: “I’m working on the history of Lagos, the British Invasion of Lagos during the reign of my great grandfather, King Kosoko, the battle for the throne, the British support and the eventual involvement of British in the governance of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. So that is the story, and it’s a big one.”

On his part, Femi Adebayo said: “I feel good, I feel motivated, it gives me joy that all our hard work is not in vain.

Netflix is an international platform that celebrates our local content. So, for me, it has boosted not only my content but my career.

“In the next few weeks, expect a blockbuster titled “Seven Doors”, bigger than “Jagun jagun”.