During the Nigeria International Film Summit held in Lagos, filmmaker Biodun Stephen participated in a FRAME panel discussion led by writer and cultural curator Wana Udobang, alongside notable industry personalities Ego Boyo and Brenda Fashugba. The dialogue quickly focused on a persistent issue within Nollywood: the reliance on stereotypes in storytelling and casting choices.
Stephen, acclaimed for her emotionally rich films like Breaded Life and Sista, acknowledged that stereotypes often serve as a “comfort zone” within Nollywood. She explained that audiences have grown accustomed to these familiar tropes, while producers and distributors favor them as a safer commercial bet.
“When you think of Aunty Shola Shobowale, she’s typically cast in one specific way,” Stephen remarked. “It’s obvious-she’s always loud. But having directed her, I remember her asking, ‘Do you want me to shout?’ and I replied, ‘No, Ma, I want something different.'”
Stephen believes that such subtle defiance is where innovation begins. Rather than recycling the usual portrayals, she strives to subvert expectations, offering actors and characters new dimensions that surprise viewers.
This philosophy extends to her writing process. “I start with a character and imagine they face two paths,” she shared. “One is the predictable route, the other is less conventional. I deliberately explore the latter.” For Stephen, the essence of compelling drama lies in characters confronting their desires for growth and evolving in unexpected ways.
Nonetheless, Stephen conceded that financial pressures often stifle creative risks. Nollywood’s ecosystem is tightly bound to “naira and kobo,” she noted, with producers wary that straying from stereotypes might jeopardize sales. This ongoing tug-of-war between artistic vision and market demands frequently results in safe, formulaic portrayals.
Yet, she remains optimistic about audience readiness for richer narratives. “You can’t keep feeding them plain jollof rice,” she quipped. “Add a little spice, and they’ll still enjoy it.”
For Stephen, dismantling stereotypes means having faith in both performers and viewers to appreciate nuanced storytelling when filmmakers dare to present it.
This feature is part of Nollywire’s ongoing coverage of FRAME at NIFS Lagos.
- Explore Ego Boyo’s insights on the classic series Checkmate.
- Discover Brenda Fashugba’s advocacy for more authentic women’s narratives and inclusive creative spaces.
Watch the Complete FRAME Discussion Featuring Biodun Stephen, Ego Boyo, and Brenda Fashugba
The post Biodun Stephen on Nollywood’s Stereotype Problem | FRAME at NIFS 2025 originally appeared on Nollywire.
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