The Power of Film Industries | The Taku Newsletter Edition 15

 This week, I’ve been reflecting on the concept of industries such as Hollywood, Bollywood, and Nollywood in particular, and how they shape the global business of filmmaking. Each of these industries carries a distinct identity, culture, and system of operation, yet they all share one thing in common: influence.

Hollywood, for instance, has long stood as the benchmark for global cinema. It built its empire through storytelling, distribution networks, and an unmatched ability to market both films and the culture surrounding them. Hollywood didn’t just create movies; it created dreams and turned those dreams into business models that continue to shape how the rest of the world makes films.

Bollywood, on the other hand, thrives on scale and emotion. It produces hundreds of films every year, blending music, drama, and color into an art form that connects deeply with audiences both in India and across the diaspora. What’s fascinating is how Bollywood films are not only cultural exports but also business products that fuel tourism, fashion, and even tech collaborations.

Then there’s Nollywood, an industry that emerged with limited resources but endless creativity. Nollywood grew out of necessity and passion, using smaller budgets and faster production methods to tell stories that resonate with millions across Nigeria and beyond. It’s a powerful example of how an industry doesn’t need a billion-dollar foundation to make an impact; it needs community, storytelling, and persistence.

What I find most intriguing is imagining what a new film industry could look like. If another major creative hub were to rise, perhaps in Africa, Asia, or even in a digital, decentralized space, how would it redefine storytelling, business, and opportunity? Would it blend global influences or create something entirely unique?

I think we are living in a time when such a shift is possible. Technology, streaming, and global connectivity are breaking down traditional barriers. Independent filmmakers can now distribute their work globally, find niche audiences, and build sustainable careers without being bound to one of the “big three.” Maybe the next major industry won’t be tied to a place at all, but to a community of creators spread across the world.

That’s the beauty of the film business: it keeps evolving. And every time it does, it opens the door for new voices, new visions, and new possibilities.

That’s all for this week’s edition of the Taku Newsletter. Stay tuned for more as we continue exploring the unseen forces that shape the world of filmmaking.

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It only gets better from here.

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— Takudzwa Thulani

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