Arinze delighted with Nollywood’s progress through the years

Legendary Nigerian actor, Segun Arinze, has commended the nation’s thriving movie industry for its “monumental steps” towards globalizing and attracting rare reviews.

Arinze, the former president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that Nollywood would soon attain the standards of Hollywood, considering that it is already a voice, a name and a face that the people and the government have come to respect for its potency.

“We are getting there; the funds have been granted by the Federal Government; we will be tapping into it,” he said.

“Other people from outside the country are also coming to work. You have seen the dividend of it. Somebody recently did the audition of Beast of No Nation; Half of a Yellow Sun is on. Emem Isong, Ini Edo, everybody. Even Ibinabo has a new film coming up, so everybody is busy.

“It’s kind of a busy period. We will involve; we are evolving; we will get there. Don’t be in a hurry; we are getting there gradually. Half of a Yellow Sun is an international film but it was shot here.”

Arinze also praised the industry for raising its quality and professionalism by attracting improved funding, which is critical to combating piracy.