Think back to the biggest names in Nollywood around 2016, then compare that mental list with today's biggest box-office attractions. Surprisingly little has changed. While a few new actors have risen in profile, the industry's commercial backbone is still largely carried by the same generation of stars.

One of the most common ways films generate early momentum is through bulk ticket purchases.

One uncomfortable truth Nollywood filmmakers must confront is that the Nigerian cinema ecosystem is not evenly distributed, and this imbalance has serious consequences.