30 : Three Decades of the New Nigerian Cinema: ...A Bystander's Verdict

A visually-pleasing and capacious account of Africa's most dominant storytelling medium, 30: Three Decades of the New Nigerian Cinema curates a historical and vibrant archive that explores the past, present, and future of Nollywood. There is a succinct yet solid sense of history here and it is refreshing in a country that loves to forget.James YekuAssistant Professor of African Digital Humanities, University of Kansas, Lawrence, USAAyorinde's experience and dynamic relationship with the Nigerian film industry has yielded a unique book written with candid dedication and unequalled insight. In 30: Three decades of the New Nigerian Cinema..., he melds historical accounts of the industry's forerunners and events with contemporary ones to produce at once a fascinating tribute to film people and an implicit charge for more documentation. The book corrects, eulogizes, honours and complicates film history from an insider's perspective leaving its reader enlightened and yearning for more.Dr. Anulika AginaSOAS University of LondonSteve Ayorinde in Three Decades of the new Nigerian Cinema has put out a resource material that will serve generations to come. Those who can feel the pain of putting this kind of work together are those whose vocation is documentation and dissemination of relevant information. Though Ayorinde frames himself as a bystander, I will say his verdict is in sharp focus just like the images in the book and lines that evoke memories of time past.Kole Odutola(PhD Media Studies) Senior Lecturer, University of Florida, Gainesville, USAThis book marks a significant milestone in the study or showcasing of the content and facilitators of the Nigerian film industry popularly known as Nollywood. Through a series of often stunning photographs and brief informative textual annotations, Steve Ayorinde ironically proves that he is more than "a bystander" in the evolution of Nollywood. The author draws from his vast knowledge of the field and his background as an artist, journalist, and cultural administrator to curate beautiful and sometimes sad snapshots of three decades of the Nigerian film industry. Although non-comprehensive in its coverage, the book will prove useful to all those interested in the sensational new Nigerian cinema - filmmakers, performers, students, scholars, and the public.Nduka OtionoDirector of the Institute of African Studies, Carleton University and President of the Canadian Association of African StudiesIn 'Three Decades of the New Nigerian Cinema', Steve Ayorinde presents a remarkable range of talents, movies and events that have defined the vibrant and self-styled Nigerian motion picture industry dubbed Nollywood. The book provides an absorbing overview of Nollywood's journey here through the lives and works of practitioners that have offered us movie experiences that have enthralled and continued to fascinate generations. Written with infectious passion, wit and insight, the book is beautifully illustrated and fact-filled.Shaibu Husseini (PhD)Film Scholar/Culture JournalistA splendid documentation of the Nollywood voyage, taking us on a jive through the choicest Nigerian movies of all times. A truly riveting read that promises to be the favourite of every Nigerian film enthusiast.Tosin Tume (PhD)Playwright, Theatre Creator & Scholar, Rhodes University, South Africa/Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria