From the early 1990s until quite recently, Nigerian and Ghanaian movies were sold on VHS, VCD and DVD in grocers, hairdressers and standalone video stores across London. In Peckham, Woolwich, Deptford, Catford and Dalston, Nollywood movies were a feature of public life.
But now that most of us watch movies via streaming, evidence of the ‘golden age’ of Nollywood is now in danger of disappearing forever. Nollywood has played a huge role in shaping diasporic culture in London, so this project is about capturing those histories before they are lost.
The Nollywood in London project aims to gather materials (posters, VCD artwork, photos), information and personal stories that tell the history of Nigerian video film as experienced by audiences, traders and film-makers in London. It also seeks to catalogue the Nollywood movies made and/or set in London (eg, Osuofia in London, Dangerous Twins, Woolwich Boys). The team will then create exhibitions, publications and other activities sharing the story of this incredible period of British history.
Survey: October – December 2025
If you are a Londoner who bought, sold or made Nollywood movies in the pre-streaming era, we need your help. Please complete this short survey to share your stories. Do the survey
About me
The Nollywood in London project is being developed by Phoenix Fry with support from the Black Cultural Archives and Southwark Archives. Phoenix is an arts producer and lecturer based in London. In 2010 he created Nollywood Now film festival, which led to a film programming role at Film Africa 2013 and jury duty for the 2016 Nollywood Movie Awards. His MA research at Goldsmiths explored Nollywood audiences and exhibitors in the UK.
PHOENIX FRY 