24th February, 2024
By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi
American psychologist Dr. Umar Johnson has expressed his keen interest in joining the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood.
In a widely circulated video, Dr. Johnson reaches out to Nollywood filmmakers, urging them to consider him for roles in their productions.
He emphasizes the importance of conscious filmmaking, stating his refusal to participate in exploitative or stereotypical portrayals.
Dr. Johnson insists that any role he takes on must reflect his values of progressiveness and pan-Africanism.
Speaking in a now-viral video, Dr. Johnson said:
“Nigeria, I’m waiting for an invitation. I’m trying to get into Nollywood. I want to star in some of the Nigerian movies. Somebody put me in touch with Black Nollywood in Nigeria.
“I want to be in a Nollywood movie. Anybody making a movie out there, has got to be conscious though. I’m not doing any blaxploitation. My role has to be egocentric. My role has to be who I am. I can have a different name and personality but it must be progressive and pan-Africanist.
“I will not play a con on television. I’m not playing no pimp, no drug dealer, no criminal. It must be consistent. egocentricity is a necessity.”
American Psychologist, Dr. Umar Johnson wants to star in a Nollywood movie. pic.twitter.com/kSjC5AdiMb
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) February 22, 2024