Ovi Odiete Champions Diversity in Nollywood: ‘We need to be the change we want to see.’

In a world where representation matters more than ever, one filmmaker is making his mark by spearheading diversity initiatives in the thriving Nigerian film industry, colloquially known as Nollywood. Film producer, actor, and screenwriter, Ovie Enita Justice Odiete, popularly known as Ovi Odiete, has become a significant advocate for diversity, inclusivity, and authentic storytelling within the industry.

“We need to be the change we want to see,” Odiete said. “It’s easy to talk about diversity, but much harder to practice it. We need to look at our scripts, our cast, and our crew. We need to ask ourselves, are we being representative of the world we live in?”

Odiete, known for his work on critically acclaimed films such as “Beneath the Surface” and “A New Dawn,” is no stranger to the concept of diversity. His company, The Ovi Studios, has gained a reputation as a leading light in the push for a more inclusive Nollywood.

The Ovi Studios has committed to hiring people from diverse backgrounds, not only in front of the camera but behind it as well. Odiete is adamant that fostering a diverse team enhances creativity, encourages unique perspectives, and ultimately enriches storytelling.

“There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when you bring together people from different backgrounds, with different stories,” Odiete stated. “That magic translates on screen, in a way that resonates with the audience on a profound level. It’s not just about representation for representation’s sake, but about giving the audience characters and narratives they can truly relate to.”

As an actor himself, Odiete is acutely aware of the importance of representation in film. “When you’re an underrepresented individual, seeing someone who looks like you, who has the same experiences as you, on screen—it’s empowering,” Odiete revealed. “It’s not about creating token characters, it’s about allowing those characters to have depth and to live within authentic narratives.”

Odiete’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. He was recently honoured with the ‘Champion of Diversity’ award at the African Film Festival. But for Odiete, the awards are secondary to the change he hopes to inspire.

“We can’t ignore that we live in a diverse world. The time to reflect that in our films is not tomorrow, it’s today,” he declared, his tone full of passion and determination.

While Odiete acknowledges the challenges, he remains optimistic. He believes that by championing diversity in Nollywood, the industry can set a precedent for other film industries worldwide.

“We’re standing on the brink of a global change in filmmaking,” he said. “Nollywood has a chance to lead that change, to show the world that a diverse film industry is not just possible, but desirable. And The Ovi Studios is proud to be a part of that movement.”

Odiete is not just dreaming of a diverse future for Nollywood, he’s actively creating it. His commitment to diversity, both in front of and behind the camera, sets a new standard for the industry. It’s a challenge he hopes others will rise to meet.

“In the end, it’s all about telling stories that matter,” Odiete concluded. “Stories that reach out and touch people, regardless of where they come from, who they are. Because the beauty of our world lies in its diversity, and that is a beauty that should be reflected on our screens.”

With the likes of Ovi Odiete at the helm, it’s clear that the future of Nollywood is not just bright—it’s diverse.