By By Ganiu Bamgbose, PhD
The Nigerian film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, has grown from a modest local enterprise into one of the largest film industries in the world. With its impressive output, cultural relevance and economic contribution, Nollywood has become a source of national pride and international recognition. Nigerian actors, producers, directors and content creators now command audiences across Africa and beyond. However, alongside this growth is an unhealthy trend that threatens the dignity and professionalism of the industry: the increasing culture of public hostility, online feuds and uncivil conduct among film makers themselves.
In recent years, social media has become the new battleground for many celebrities and entertainment stakeholders. Issues that could ordinarily be settled privately are now dragged into the public domain. Actors accuse one another of jealousy, producers publicly shame performers, colleagues exchange insults online and industry secrets are exposed carelessly for public entertainment. In some cases, movie stars become judges in their own matters, prosecuting and defending themselves before social media audiences. This situation has turned many professionals into “actors in their own movies,” where personal conflicts become public spectacles.
The entertainment industry thrives on publicity, but there is a thin line between publicity and unnecessary drama. Unfortunately, many Nigerian film makers now appear to mistake controversy for relevance. Every disagreement becomes content; every misunderstanding becomes a live session; every criticism becomes an invitation to war. Rather than allowing their works to speak for them, some individuals now depend on public quarrels to remain visible in the media space.
This growing culture of hostility has damaging consequences for the industry. First, it weakens professionalism. An industry where practitioners constantly attack one another publicly loses the respect of audiences and stakeholders. Investors and international partners prefer environments defined by order, maturity and mutual respect. When film makers spend more time fighting online than improving their craft, the image of the industry suffers.
Second, public feuds create unhealthy divisions among fans and followers. Supporters often take sides aggressively, leading to cyberbullying, threats and character assassination. In many cases, ordinary fans become emotionally invested in conflicts that do not concern them directly. Instead of promoting creativity and cultural enrichment, the industry then becomes associated with toxicity and needless hostility.
Another danger lies in the effect on younger generations. Many youths look up to actors and actresses as role models. When prominent film makers constantly engage in online insults, vulgar exchanges and public mockery, younger followers may begin to normalise incivility. The entertainment industry should inspire discipline, creativity and emotional intelligence, not impulsiveness and verbal aggression.
It is important to note that disagreement is inevitable in every profession. Creative industries naturally involve strong opinions, competition and emotional investments. Actors may disagree with directors; producers may clash with marketers; colleagues may misunderstand one another. However, maturity is measured not by the absence of conflict but by the manner in which conflict is handled. Civil disagreement reflects wisdom, while public hostility reflects poor emotional management.
Nigerian film makers must therefore embrace a culture of professional ethics and respectful engagement. Industry associations and guilds should become more active in conflict mediation. Rather than watching disputes escalate online, professional bodies should create channels for arbitration and internal resolution. Sanctions may also be necessary for members who consistently damage the image of the industry through reckless public behaviour. It is also in place for these bodies to organise seminars, symposia and conferences more regularly where issues around ethics, etiquette and professionalism are discussed and discoursed. These bodies can also collaborate with relevant government agencies for certification programmes so that practitioners in the entertainment industry possess requisite professional-cum-academic knowledge for standard practice. What makes a superstar should go beyond the possession of potential; there should be provision for refinement.
Furthermore, social media discipline has become an urgent necessity. Not every grievance deserves an online audience. Sometimes silence is more powerful than reaction. At other times, private dialogue achieves more than public confrontation. Film makers must understand that social media never truly forgets. Words typed in anger today may become permanent stains on personal and professional reputations tomorrow.
There is also a need for emotional intelligence training within the entertainment sector. Fame comes with pressure, criticism and provocation. Public figures must therefore learn how to manage emotions responsibly. The ability to respond calmly to criticism, avoid unnecessary provocation and maintain dignity under pressure is now an essential aspect of celebrity culture.
Importantly, collaboration should replace destructive rivalry. Nollywood has achieved global recognition largely because of collective effort. The successes of veterans paved the way for younger talents, while emerging creatives continue to expand the industry’s reach through innovation and digital platforms. Rather than tearing one another down, film makers should focus on mentoring, partnerships and creative excellence.
The Nigerian film industry possesses enormous potential for greater global influence. However, this potential can only be sustained in an atmosphere of mutual respect and professionalism. The world is watching Nollywood not only for its stories but also for the conduct of its practitioners. An industry filled with talent must not become impoverished in character.
Ultimately, film makers must remember that they are custodians of culture and public influence. Their words, attitudes and actions shape public perception. They should therefore avoid turning every disagreement into a public performance. Actors belong in movies, not in needless personal dramas. For Nollywood to continue its upward journey, civility, restraint and professionalism must take centre stage.
(c) 2026 Ganiu Bamgbose is a lecturer in the Department of English, Lagos State University.
