Nollywood filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has cleared the air over the controversy trailing his recent comments on film promotion and cinema releases, stressing that his remarks were not directed at actress and producer Funke Akindele.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Sunday, Afolayan said the viral clip that sparked the backlash was taken out of context and originated from a film business forum where industry stakeholders were discussing the economics and sustainability of cinema releases in Nigeria.
“I am a product of travelling theatre and travelling cinema,” Afolayan said. “Our parents went round the streets calling people to watch films. I don’t see anything wrong with promoting films or going to the cinema. For me, it is just draining.”
According to the filmmaker, his comments were in response to a direct question from cinema operators who wanted to know when he would return to theatrical film releases.
“At that forum, I told them you have to promise me that I will make substantial money,” he explained.
“If a film makes ₦2 billion, after sharing, taxes and other deductions, what comes back to the filmmaker may be about ₦500 million. If you have two or three investors, what is left at the end of the day?”
Afolayan noted that the discussion was open and factual, adding that major industry players, including EbonyLife Media CEO, Mo Abudu, were present.
The controversy intensified after social media users linked his remarks to Funke Akindele, whose recent films have broken box-office records and crossed the ₦2 billion mark.
Addressing the speculation, Afolayan revealed that Akindele contacted him shortly after the video went viral.
“She called me yesterday and said, ‘Mr Afolayan, I know you don’t like me, don’t mention my name in your interviews,’” he said. “She was yelling and then dropped the phone.
I later sent her a text to explain myself. I honestly don’t know what caused the reaction.”
He insisted that Akindele’s name was never mentioned during the original conversation and stressed that he harbours no personal or professional issues with her.
“I have absolutely nothing against Funke,” Afolayan said. “I did not say people should not dance to promote their films.”
The director also disclosed that he reached out to Toyin Abraham, who was also mentioned in online debates, and she raised no concerns about his comments.
Afolayan further revealed that just a week earlier, he had publicly praised Akindele’s career and business model during a masterclass at the Kaduna Film Festival.
“I told them clearly, if you want to adopt a model that works, follow Funke Akindele’s model,” he said.
“She started early with Jenifa, and look at her brand today — it is consistent growth.”
While acknowledging that Akindele’s strategy is successful, Afolayan said it does not suit everyone.
“I can’t do what they are doing because they have the energy and it works for them,” he added. “I do many things today, but film gave birth to all of them.”
The filmmaker maintained that his comments were meant to encourage honest conversations about sustainability in Nollywood, not to create division.
“Ask our colleagues, I support people’s projects,” he said. “I don’t know what got into Funke, but I have nothing against her.”
He also promised to release footage from the Kaduna Film Festival masterclass to further clarify his position.
