INTERVIEW: US-Based Filmmaker, Okonkwo Shares Vision To Reinvent Nollywood

For Christopher Okonkwo, a Nigerian celebrity videographer, filmmaking is more than a profession but his destiny. Born in Anambra State, Nigeria, he built his creative career in the United States, working behind the scenes with music stars like Phyno and Flavour.

From a humble beginning, Okonkwo founded his production company Louva Concept LLC in 2011 and later registered the company in the U.S. in 2016, expanding its reach across Nigeria and the UK.

His years in America’s entertainment industry taught him more than just technical mastery—they instilled in him a mindset of precision, planning, and visual storytelling at scale.

In this Interview with THE WHISTLER, the celebrity videographer shares his journey in the US and how he is investing in people.

He discussed his new film projects in Nigeria and how they will transform Nollywood filmmaking to Hollywood standard.

Excerpts…

You’ve built an impressive career as a celebrity videographer in the U.S., working with talents like Phyno—what were some defining moments that helped you break into that high-profile space?

Breaking into that space took consistency, humility, and always delivering more than expected. A defining moment was being invited to shoot behind-the-scenes content at a major concert in New York.

That single opportunity exposed me to key industry players—artists, managers, and producers—who appreciated my eye for detail and cinematic style. Word spread quickly, and soon I was on set with talents like Phyno, Flavour, and a host of others. Every shoot became a stepping stone to the next.

What inspired your transition from shooting major artists abroad to launching a film project in Nigeria, and what story are you hoping to tell with this move?

The inspiration came from a deep desire to tell authentic African stories with world-class visuals. While I was building my career abroad, I always knew I’d return home to create something meaningful.

This film project isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about highlighting our culture, resilience, and the everyday experiences that define Nigerian life. I want to create stories that resonate with Nigerians and the diaspora, stories that reflect who we are with pride and power.

Do you see this project as a one-time return to Nigeria or the beginning of a long-term involvement?

This is just the beginning of something bigger. I see long-term involvement in Nigeria’s creative landscape. Beyond this project, I’m looking at sustained investment through mentorship, training workshops, and collaborations.

With platforms like the Create Academy as partners, the vision is to nurture talent, foster innovation, and create a creative ecosystem that thrives far beyond this single film.

How has your experience in the U.S. entertainment industry shaped your approach to storytelling and production, especially as you bring that vision back to Nigeria?

The U.S. industry taught me discipline, strategic planning, and the power of high-level execution. Storytelling is universal, but how you frame and present it makes the difference.

I’ve learned to build strong emotional narratives, execute with precision, and lead large-scale productions. Bringing that experience back home, I’m blending Nigeria’s raw, passionate energy with a refined, structured approach that can compete globally.

What challenges have you faced—or are you anticipating—as you try to replicate a U.S.-level production standard in Nigeria, and how are you navigating those differences?

The biggest challenge is infrastructure—power outages, equipment access, and inconsistent technical support. But I’ve learned to adapt quickly.

I ship in essential gear, collaborate with reliable local crews, and prioritize training. In many ways, those challenges have fueled more creativity. Limitations can push you to find smarter solutions—and that’s where real innovation often begins.

Ultimately, what impact do you hope this project will have on the Nigerian film industry and young creatives looking to follow in your footsteps?

I want this project to prove that Nigerian stories deserve—and can achieve—global production standards. If one young creative sees what we’ve done and thinks, “If he did it, I can too,” then I’ve succeeded.

This is about changing the narrative, raising the bar, and building a legacy of excellence. I hope it opens doors, sparks ambition, and empowers the next wave of storytellers.

You have been on tour with Nedcomoaks Ltd from London to Birmingham, Manchester to Lagos, and across Houston, Atlanta, Maryland, Calgary, and Toronto. What is your motivation?

Nedcomoaks represents vision, legacy, and a commitment to building communities—and that aligns with my own purpose as a creative. Documenting their journey across continents has been powerful.

It motivates me to keep telling stories that matter—stories of progress, dreams realized, and impact made. Seeing a Nigerian brand expand and thrive globally reminds me that we are capable of building greatness—and those stories deserve to be captured and shared.

INTERVIEW: US-Based Filmmaker, Okonkwo Shares Vision To Reinvent Nollywood is first published on The Whistler Newspaper