By Utebor Paul, Nigeria
Veteran Nollywood actress, Joke Silva, has revealed her reasons for avoiding sexual roles in movies, citing personal values and storytelling integrity as key factors.
Silva, 63, disclosed this in a recent interview with Saturday Sun, where she explained that her decision to avoid sexually explicit scenes is intentional.
According to the actress, she believes storytelling can effectively convey sensuality without the need for explicit content, adding that such scenes should contribute to the narrative rather than rely on shock value.
She urged filmmakers to adopt creative approaches that respect both the story and the audience.
The Nollywood star also spoke on the industry’s cultural identity, expressing confidence that Nollywood maintains its core values despite pressures from globalisation.
She noted that streaming platforms support authentic cultural expression, which she sees as vital to preserving the distinctiveness of Nigerian cinema.
Silva further addressed the limited roles available for older actors, calling for more inclusive storylines that reflect the experiences of middle-aged and elderly characters.
She pointed out that people over 50 are often excluded from narratives, stressing that highlighting their interactions with younger generations could add depth to Nollywood’s storytelling.