Title: NOLLYWOOD WAHALA (1 & 2)

AKA: JUJUWOOD (Full Story)

Starring: Funke Akindele, Nuella Njubigbo, Halima Abubakar, Esther Audu, Daniel K. Daniel

Synopsis:

A group of wannabe actresses know no bounds when it comes to breaking into the movie business.

Review:

Imelda and Maggie (Nuella Njubigbo and Halima Abubakar) had been scheming to break into the Nollywood movie industry. Instead of acting lessons, networking, and exploring the normal channels, they chose to resort to juju – the popular and quick route to stardom. Casting a spell to become famous actresses seemed easy enough but it certainly came with a price. 

The two women later had a falling out and became competitors. Maggie achieved success to the point where people in high places wanted her phone number. When she found a man that blessed her with the expensive gifts she desired, she was unaware that he was also under the influence of juju. As they used each other only one of them survived. 

In a separate storyline, Crystal (Funke Akindele) was also desperate to be a movie star. She made it her business to stalk Judd (Daniel K. Daniel), who was a popular movie producer. She made it clear that she was willing to do anything to act in one of his movies. 

She came across a security guard in the hotel where Judd stayed and the employee promised to hook her up with the top directors in the industry. By the time Crystal realized it was all a prank she was out thousands of dollars that she forked over in the name of registration fees, donations, and anything that seemed legit. Crystal also sought the help of juju but when she failed to get Judd into bed with her she suffered the consequences. 

In yet another storyline, Angelina (Esther Audu) was a student that had absolutely no interest in acting and never even thought of it. Judd discovered her on the street and invited her to audition for a part in his movie. When she got the lead role solely based on natural talent she was accused of screwing the director, casting a spell on him, and was labeled a prostitute. 

Let’s Talk. This is a lighthearted depiction on the Nollywood movie industry. It highlights the pitfalls and advantages and also reveals the lengths some women are willing to go in order to become an actress. 

As seen in this movie, it’s not about the art of the craft or talent; it’s about fame and fortune. While directors have no problem preying on women’s desperation for notoriety, some women are more than willing to prostitute themselves. The truth of the matter is that even with “short-cuts” to the top, only true talent will achieve longevity in any business. 

It was disturbing to see, whether true or not, that the PA’s are entitled to sex from actresses and even the assistant director, director, and the movie editor had the right to such “perks.” Is Nollywood really a movie industry? Maybe a better title would be Nookiewood. 

You see there seems to be a general disrespect for women. Do directors expect sexual gratification from men who audition for roles? Why is it that men and women are held to different requirements for the same work? 

Unfortunately, a woman sleeping her way to the top does happen but word has it that it’s prevalent in Nollywood. There seems to be something wrong with the structure of the business and the mentality of those that partake in such practices. There’s obviously a need for a higher level of professionalism and strong sexual harassment laws that protect both women and men. Men shouldn’t be subject to harassment just as women shouldn’t be.

Women across the globe have come a long way and we continue to strive for equal rights and equal pay. For a woman to have to sleep with a man to obtain a job in this day and age is deplorable and regressive. 

And then thanks to hearsay surrounding this topic, some male actors have stated that they would never date an actress. Do these men disregard the directors for their actions? Of course not. Although it takes two to tango, sex seems to be a man’s right but often a woman’s downfall.

Why is it that women are tarnished but the very directors who willingly take advantage of our sisters are not held accountable? What kind of sh*t is that? Surely, it’s the good old double standard but I’m sure women who have taken the “short-cut” to stardom don’t give a damn what men think of them as long as they’re “stackin’ their paper” and hey, I get that too. 

As far as juju goes, the movie said it best – only God gives true gifts and when he blesses us with something no man can take it away. Surely we’re familiar with the laws of nature and what goes around will certainly come back around. Don’t doubt that for a second.

The direction of the movie and its performers sufficed. The standout performance was Funke Akindele. She’s such a riot and so much fun to watch. 

Nollywood’s issues were tackled with humor and the movie has a disclaimer that states that the story was based on half-truths, assumptions, and gossip. This leaves the viewer to determine what’s true and what isn’t. Take note that the movie is also known as “Jujuwood.” RECOMMEND