Nollywood star Osas Ighodaro’s revelation about an uncomfortable on-screen kiss has sparked calls for intimacy coaches to ensure actor safety in Nigeria’s film industry.
Nollywood actress Osas Ighodaro shared a troubling experience in an interview, recounting how a co-star overstepped boundaries during a scripted kiss by using excessive improvisation, as reported by Pulse Nigeria. The incident, described with a light tone but serious implications, exposed the lack of professional safeguards in Nollywood for intimate scenes. Ighodaro’s story has ignited a broader conversation about the need for intimacy coordinators, a standard in Hollywood to choreograph romantic scenes and ensure consent.
Nollywood’s fast-paced, budget-constrained environment often prioritizes efficiency over actor comfort, leaving performers vulnerable when boundaries are crossed. Ighodaro’s experience, echoing similar stories globally, underscores the absence of clear guidelines for intimate scenes, with directors sometimes encouraging unchecked “chemistry.” Pulse Nigeria noted that tight budgets and schedules discourage reshoots, forcing actors to endure discomfort. The issue resonates with Nigeria’s growing film industry, which seeks global recognition but faces challenges in professionalizing working conditions.
The revelation has prompted debate, with some advocating for industry reforms, while others highlight Nollywood’s resource limitations. The controversy tests Nigeria’s film sector’s ability to adopt global standards while maintaining its unique storytelling. As Ighodaro’s story gains traction, it could drive change, ensuring safer sets and elevating Nollywood’s reputation as a professional, actor-focused industry.