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Actor defends Leila Djansi's 'Nollywood-Hitler' comment

Jimmy Jean-Louis defends Leila Djansi's 'Nollywood and Hitler' comment, says she was misunderstood. "It is a misunderstanding between two pillars of the film industry," he said.

Jimmy Jean-Louis and Leila Djansi.

Jimmy Jean-Louis, the lead actor in the documentary, undefinedhas aired his opinion on the controversial statement made by Ghanaian producer Leila Djansi.

Recently Djansi aired her thoughts about the new generation of Nigerian filmmakers in the documentary, likening the pioneering filmmakers to Hitler.

Nigerian actress Stella Damasus immediately responded to the statement via her Youtube Channel, stating that Djansi has no right to insult Nollywood.

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Read below;

"I only know a few people as passionate about Nollywood and African cinema as Leila Djansi is. She introduced me to Nollywood and Ghanaian cinema and I have gone ahead to make movies with amazing filmmakers from that industry. Talk of the" with with my dear friend among others and of course.

I even hosted the AMAA in 2012. "Jimmy Goes To Nollywood" is a documentary that was made to help the industry, to introduce it to the world even more and address issues concerning an industry that has become one of the most lucrative industries in Africa today, employing many.

The hoopla surrounding Leila Djansi's commentary in the video is genuine for an industry that many are passionate about but, it has been misunderstood. It is a misunderstanding between two pillars of the film industry. I have known Leila for a long time now and she is one person who will be honest with you, no matter what. Her criticism of the industry is from a place of genuine concern for its growth. This she has demonstrated many times by continuously employing Nollywood talent.

The name Nollywood does provoke conflicting discourse, and asked whether the new branch of filmmakers remain under that identity, Leila offered, that identity might cause the filmmakers to be judged unfairly by the standards of the world. Nollywood was not likened to 'Hitler', as unreleased portions of her interview will ascertain. African cinema will be nothing without the strength and bravery of the pioneers of Nollywood. I believe in African cinema, I believe in Nollywood, we have to continue to work together, that's where the strength lies. I encourage you to see the entire documentary "Jimmy goes to Nollywood" on Netflix in USA/UK and on A+ (Canal+) in Africa. One love. Jimmy"

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Djansi has previously worked with Nigerians her films; “Ties That Bind” (released in 2011) stars Nollywood veteran  Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and“Sinking Sands” (released in 2010) stars Yemi Blaq. Damasus pointed that both Nigerian stars in her film were from products of Nollywood.

Watch the Stella Damasus’ response in the video above.

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