Nollywood embraces Bollywood at Nigerian Film Festival in LA
As Nigerian cinema continues its upward trajectory, the seventh edition of Nollywood in Hollywood 2025 returned to Los Angeles, showcasing three acclaimed Nigerian films over two days. Screenings took place at the prestigious Egyptian Theater in Hollywood and the Eileen Norris Theater at the University of Southern California.
Over the past three decades, Nollywood has grown into the world’s second-largest film industry, producing more than 1,000 films annually, mostly direct-to-video. Only Indian cinema surpasses it, with its massive output and a strong presence in the US, fueled by an Indian diaspora exceeding 5 million.
Recognizing this shared passion for cinema, Nollywood in Hollywood 2025 welcomed Indian-American entrepreneur Rajendra Vora, Founder and President of Jain Social Group Beverly Hills, to the red carpet. He joined festival host Ose Oyamendan, celebrated Nigerian actress Uzoamaka, actor Abraham Ampka, and director Prince Daniel in the event’s opening celebrations.
During the red carpet interaction, Rajendra Vora congratulated Nigerian stars and playfully inquired if they enjoyed Bollywood dance. In a spontaneous and joyful moment, a renowned Nigerian actress and director delighted the audience by dancing to Bollywood tunes, reflecting the deep cultural connection between Nollywood and Bollywood.
The festival concluded on a high note with screenings of three prominent Nigerian films: The Man Died, Oscar-nominated Mai Martaba, and The Weekend. The event reinforced Nollywood’s expanding influence and its growing recognition on the global cinematic stage.
