Veteran Nigerian actor and filmmaker Ramsey Nouah has rejected the idea that Nigeria’s film industry should be divided into “old Nollywood” and “new Nollywood”, arguing that the industry has simply continued to evolve over the years.

Nouah made the remarks during an appearance on Isbae U’s YouTube interview programme, Curiosity Made Me Ask, where he discussed his career, the evolution of Nollywood and his experiences in the Nigerian film industry.

The subject came up when the actor was asked whether he preferred “old Nollywood” or “new Nollywood”.

Rather than choosing between the two, Nouah challenged the distinction, arguing that Nollywood should be regarded as one industry despite the changes that have occurred in its production methods, technology, distribution channels and acting styles.

He compared the situation with Hollywood, pointing out that older films remain part of the same American film industry despite being produced decades apart.

According to Nouah, actors, directors, producers and other professionals from different generations remain part of the same Nigerian film ecosystem.

The actor also stressed the importance of younger members of the industry understanding Nollywood’s history and appreciating the contributions made by previous generations.

Nouah’s own career spans several stages of the industry’s development. He became widely known during the era when Nigerian films were distributed predominantly through home-video formats before Nollywood expanded significantly into cinemas, streaming platforms and other forms of digital distribution.

The veteran actor also reflected on the romantic roles that became strongly associated with his early career. His performances in love stories helped establish his image as one of the prominent leading men of his generation.

Beyond acting, Nouah has expanded his work into filmmaking and directing, including his involvement in the historical drama 76, which was released in 2016 and centred on events surrounding the assassination of former Nigerian Head of State Murtala Mohammed.

During the interview, he also spoke about his family background, explaining that his father was Lebanese while his mother was from Ondo State. Nouah was born and raised in Lagos.

He further recalled a motorcycle accident he experienced and discussed how the incident was subsequently covered by the media.

Nouah’s comments come amid continuing discussions about the changing character of Nollywood, particularly as younger actors and filmmakers embrace streaming services, bigger cinema productions, newer production technology and different storytelling approaches.

For the veteran actor, however, those changes represent the development of the same industry rather than the emergence of a completely separate one.

His position highlights a broader generational conversation within Nollywood over how the industry’s history should be understood as new performers, filmmakers and technologies continue to shape its future.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia