An Exclusive Interview with Cyprain Chukwunta, Aka LOC — The Unsung Architect of Nigeria’s Film Industry, By Emma Clems.
Nigeria’s film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, is now celebrated worldwide as the second-largest film industry by volume. But few know the stories behind its early days — the struggles, the breakthroughs, and the characters who shaped its path. One such pioneer is Cyprain Chukwunta, better known by his nickname, LOC, hailing from Obeagu in Awgu, Enugu State.
LOC’s journey is an intriguing blend of entrepreneurship, passion, and resilience. In this rare and revealing conversation, he takes us back to the 1990s Lagos, recounting how a World Cup souvenir led to a nickname, how he balanced business with film production, and how he played a pivotal role in naming Nollywood itself.
Can we meet you sir?
I’m Cyprain Chukwunta, but most people know me as LOC. I come from Obeagu, a town in Awgu, Enugu State. The nickname “LOC” came about during the 1999 FIFA World Cup held in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. I was one of the Local Organizing Committee, I was attached to Spainish team in Lagos as at then . When the tournament ended, Spain gifted me some souvenirs. I began sharing these with my friends and colleagues, and they started calling and chanting out “LOC!” in excitement as a result of the gift items. That name stuck with me ever since. It was during that same period that many of us in the film industry began meeting regularly — first at the ECOWAS Hotel in Lagos, and later at Winnis Guess House in Surulere. That’s where the foundation of what would become Nollywood was laid.
After you went a little break from movie industry, what line of work are you in?
I didn’t went for break per say, I just felt I should add another flair to my income. The film industry took over much of my time, I am in the business of importing jewelry and religious articles. I ran a modest but steady business, bringing in items that people wanted for personal use or for sale. This helped me financially while I explored opportunities in film. I sell spiritual materials
How did you manage juggling your business and film production?
It wasn’t always easy, but I learned the importance of time management and dedication. When I was shooting or recording movies, I’d give my full attention to the production. Then, I’d step back and focus on my business. The film industry demands a lot of time and energy, so sometimes I had to take deliberate breaks to avoid burning out. But I made sure neither side was neglected.
You’ve had notable success in both business and film. How would you describe this journey?
The movie industry was, and still is, a significant avenue for income, though it wasn’t without its challenges. Back then, piracy was rampant and severely affected earnings. That’s why I always believed in diversifying my income streams — you shouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket. Social media later breathed new life into Nollywood, allowing for wider distribution and audience reach, which was a huge boost. But even then, distribution remained a challenge that threatened the growth of the industry.Some say religion or superstition influences career paths in Nigeria. Did religion influence your decision to move into business?Not really. The film industry, especially in those early days, was unpredictable and unstable. That reality pushed me to diversify — to have a fallback and make sure ends were met. It wasn’t religion or superstition; it was about pragmatism and survival.
How do you gauge the progress of Nollywood from its early days to today?
It’s been an incredible transformation. Back then, we shot films using VHS cameras — clunky and limiting. Distribution was very poor; we had to rely heavily on marketers who traveled to places like Onitsha, Aba, and Idumota to sell the films. Today, digital cameras and online platforms have revolutionized production and distribution. Marketing isn’t done the same way anymore because technology has made communication and promotion more efficient. More talented actors, directors, and producers are emerging, and innovation is thriving.
Reflecting on the past, what are some specific contributions you made to the industry?
Communication was one of the biggest barriers. Without smartphones or the internet, it was difficult for artistes and marketers to connect. I played the role of a middleman, facilitating meetings between serious actors like Liz Benson, Dolly Unachukwu, Eucharia Anunobi, Zack Orji, etc and the marketers who funded their projects. Sometimes I traveled to places as far as Jos and Enugu to bridge these gaps.
Another important contribution came during a tense period when marketers wanted to call a recess on the industry due to disagreements with the various guilds, including the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN). I represented the Producers Guild of Nigeria at a critical meeting held at Golden Gate Restaurant in Lagos. We reached a historic agreement to shut down the industry for three months, allowing tempers to cool and negotiations to proceed. This helped reconcile factions and ultimately contributed to the survival and growth of Nollywood.
The name “Nollywood” is iconic. How did that come about?
The name “Nollywood” was born during a meeting in Kilo, Surulere. We were brainstorming on what to call the burgeoning movie industry, and I suggested “Nollywood.” It was a name that captured the spirit of Nigerian cinema and mirrored Hollywood and Bollywood. I was proud to have initiated that name, though it saddened me that when then President Goodluck Jonathan officially recognized the industry’s actors, I was not acknowledged for this contribution.
Finally, what’s your outlook on the industry today and its future?
Nollywood has come a long way and is now the second-largest film industry in the world, after Hollywood. We are making remarkable progress, and I believe the industry will continue to improve and gain global recognition. The passion, talent, and innovation we see today are signs of a bright future.
Cyprain “LOC” Chukwuta’s story is a reminder that behind every success are unsung heroes whose dedication and vision shape entire industries. As Nollywood continues to shine on the global stage, it’s fitting to remember and celebrate the pioneers like LOC who helped build its foundation.
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