Veteran filmmaker, Lancelot Imasuen has urged Nollywood icons like Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Genevieve Nnaji, to return to the fold to give back.
The duo are no more active on the scene, leaving the stage to emerging stars whom he believes cannot do it alone.
Among other old hands Imasuen is hoping to see back are Jim Iyke and Emeka Ike
Marking his 30th year in Nollywood, Lancelot criticized the growing divide between “old” and “new” Nollywood, and questioned why many of the industry’s biggest names have disappeared instead of giving back.
In an interview with Vanguard, he said;
“As of 30 years ago, there were nothing like big stars. Everybody evolved. Those who chose to be behind the camera like myself as well as those who wanted to be in front of the camera.
“Nobody looked down on anybody. Everyone respected all that we were called to do with our talents. “But overtime, we have seen Nollywood that birthed great names being bastardized, abandoned and ignored even by those who were nobody then.
“That’s crux of this parley. Where are the people that Nollywood birthed? Some of them have become bigger than the industry that made them.
“I am calling out the Omotolas, the Genevieve’s, the Emeka Ikes and the Jim Iykes. I am also calling out all of them who benefitted from Nollywood to come and give back to the industry.
Lancelot urged these stars to return and support Nollywood, insisting the industry needs its own to survive and thrive.