Actor and director Lancelot Imasuen has taken a swipe at some top Nollywood stars for allegedly turning their backs on the film industry that made them household names.

Speaking in an interview with Vanguard as he marks 30 years in Nollywood, Lancelot, popularly known as De’ Guvnor, expressed concern over the silence and absence of some big names who, according to him, have failed to give back to the industry that birthed their careers.

“I am calling out the Omotolas, the Genevieve’s, the Emeka Ikes and the Jim Iykes. I am also calling out all of them who benefitted from Nollywood to come and give back to the industry,” he said.

Lancelot lamented the growing divide between the so-called old and new Nollywood, pointing out that three decades ago, everyone evolved together without any hierarchy or ego.

“As of 30 years ago, there were nothing like big stars. Everybody evolved. Those who chose to be behind the camera like myself as well as those who wanted to be in front of the camera,” he said.

“Nobody looked down on anybody. Everyone respected all that we were called to do with our talents. But over time, we have seen Nollywood that birthed great names being bastardized, abandoned and ignored even by those who were nobody then.”

He warned that no individual could ever be bigger than the industry and questioned the comfort some of his colleagues have found in neglecting the platform that gave them a voice.

“We cannot continue to allow the house that gave us a name to sink. Nollywood gave us fortune and fame. How come some of my colleagues are so comfortable abandoning the platform that groomed them?

“I want to be the lone voice crying for Nollywood in the wilderness. Where are the children who were birthed by the industry?” he asked.

Reflecting on his journey, Lancelot revealed his Nollywood story began in 1987, with a breakthrough in 1988 when he worked as an assistant director on the film Besotted.

He officially began his directing career in 1995 with an Igbo language movie titled Adaku.

He also paid tribute to veterans who mentored him, including Living in Bondage director Chris Obirakpo, Danladi Bako of NTA and late actors Sadiq Daba and Enebeli Elebuwa.

He recalled working briefly as a production assistant with NTA in the early stages of his career.