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In recent years, Nollywood has undergone a noticeable shift in storytelling, with more filmmakers daring to explore themes once considered taboo and none more controversial than LGBTQ narratives.
While the Nigerian film industry has long operated within the confines of conservative societal expectations, a new wave of filmmakers, particularly from younger and diaspora communities, are breaking those barriers by weaving stories centered on queer identities, relationships, and struggles.
However, with this bold evolution has come a wave of cultural backlash that reflects Nigeria's deeply rooted conservatism.
Historically, Nollywood avoided any open depiction of LGBTQ characters, let alone entire storylines. Such themes were either erased, stereotyped, or caricatured to fit prevailing societal norms. But that began to change subtly over the past decade.
Films like Ìfé, produced by Pamela Adie and directed by Uyaiedu Ikpe-Etim, marked a turning point. The romantic drama between two Nigerian women challenged not just social norms but legal boundaries, as homosexuality remains criminalized in Nigeria under the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014.
The release of Ìfé in 2020, though largely online due to censorship threats, sparked national conversations.
Critics condemned it as an affront to Nigerian values, while supporters hailed it as a brave leap forward. “It’s not about provoking society,” Adie said in an interview. “It’s about representation. Everyone deserves to see their stories on screen.”
Since then, several independent Nollywood filmmakers have followed suit. Short films, YouTube web series, and underground productions now explore LGBTQ themes with more nuance and empathy than ever before.
From tales of hidden love in conservative families to stories of queer Nigerians navigating identity and persecution, these narratives are challenging long-held perceptions and giving voice to a marginalized community.
However, this shift has not come without consequences. Many of these films are denied distribution by Nigerian cinemas and streaming platforms based in the country.
Directors and producers have faced harassment, censorship threats, and in some cases, open condemnation from religious and political leaders. In 2023, a Lagos-based film festival faced backlash after screening a queer-themed short, prompting outrage from some clerics who accused the organizers of “promoting immorality.”
This cultural backlash isn’t limited to officials. On social media, creators who work on LGBTQ-themed content often face trolling, death threats, and online bullying.
The divide is stark while younger audiences, particularly those influenced by global culture, tend to be more accepting, older Nigerians and traditional gatekeepers remain firmly opposed.
“There’s a generational war happening in Nollywood,” says a film critic who asked to remain anonymous. “Young creatives are pushing bold stories. But they’re hitting a wall built by conservative norms, religious institutions, and an industry that still prioritizes mass appeal over message.”
Yet despite the challenges, the LGBTQ wave in Nollywood is growing slowly but steadily. International streaming platforms, especially those based outside Nigeria, are offering some level of sanctuary to these stories.
Queer-themed films by Nigerian creators are now being showcased at global festivals and on platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and international YouTube channels. This global exposure not only validates the creators but also helps them bypass Nigeria’s local censorship barriers.
The rise of LGBTQ stories in Nollywood is not just about representation; it’s about challenging an entire system that has long ignored or vilified queer identities. It’s a cultural rebellion happening one film at a time and while the backlash is intense, the movement shows no sign of slowing down.
For Nollywood, the inclusion of LGBTQ narratives might be uncomfortable for some, but it represents an industry grappling with reality and diversity.
As one filmmaker puts it: “We’re not asking for permission anymore. We’re telling our truths and the world is listening.”
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