Nollywood

First edition of Nollywood by Pieter Hugo (2009)

First impression

Medium format hardback in near fine condition

Signed and dated by Pieter Hugo to title page

There is a slight mark to back boards

Some toning to extremities of pages, predominantly on the ones with text

Otherwise, pages clean, binding firm

About Nollywood

Everyone knows what Hollywood is and what it stands for: gigantic film studios and elaborate large-screen productions that dominate the programs of many movie theaters around the world. Bollywood, its Indian counterpart, is almost as well known. But who has ever heard of Nollywood? Nollywood is the third largest film industry in the world. The “N” in its name stands for Nigeria, where it originates. The industry churns out up to 1,500 films every year, generating revenues of around US$320 million. Nollywood films are not only popular in Nigeria: they have become a permanent fixture in everyday culture throughout Africa, ousting American productions. But these films never make it to the big screen. Far removed from the glamour and technical perfection of Hollywood films, they are produced as DVDs on a minimum budget and sold on the street at a low price.

Basic, hurriedly written scripts, actors who are often cast on the day of the shooting, improvised sets – in the space of just a few weeks, the typical Nollywood film has been cut, packed and is ready to sell. The South African photographer Pieter Hugo encountered this film culture on his travels through West Africa. At first he was annoyed by these loud, shrill films that are omnipresent. But gradually, this unique art form consumed by all strata of the population began to fascinate him. These films are made by Africans for Africans. They reflect many of the situations that make up their daily lives – love, betrayal, crime. Unlike Hollywood movies, there’s almost never a happy end. The genre that particularly awakened Hugo’s interest was “juju”, what we know as horror or splatter films, with a touch of voodoo.