Nollywood director and producer Kunle Afolayan has addressed the controversy surrounding his recent remarks on film promotion and cinema releases, insisting his comments were misunderstood and were never directed at fellow filmmaker Funke Akindele.
Speaking on Arise TV earlier today, Afolayan explained that the viral video clip was taken from a film business forum where industry stakeholders were discussing cinema economics and sustainability.
“I am a product of travelling theatre and travelling cinema,” Afolayan said. “Our parents would go into the streets to invite people to watch films. I don’t see anything wrong with going to the cinema or promoting films. For me, it is just draining.”
He clarified that his comments came in response to a question from cinema operators about when he would return to theatrical releases, focusing on whether cinema distribution remains financially viable for filmmakers after revenue deductions.
“At that forum, I told them you have to promise me I will make substantial money,” he said. “If a film grosses ₦2 billion, after sharing, taxes, and other deductions, what comes back to you might only be about ₦500 million. If there are two or three investors, what is left at the end of the day?”
Afolayan noted that several key industry figures, including EbonyLife Cinemas’ Mo Abudu, were present, and stressed that the discussion was open and factual, not a critique of any filmmaker’s strategy.
The controversy escalated after social media users linked his comments to Funke Akindele, whose films have broken box-office records, including crossing the ₦2 billion mark.
Afolayan said Akindele reached out to him shortly after the video circulated online.
“She called me yesterday and said, ‘Mr Afolayan, I know you don’t like me, don’t mention my name in your interviews,’” he recalled. “She was yelling and then dropped the phone. I texted her afterwards to explain things. Honestly, I don’t know what caused the reaction.”
He emphasized that he never mentioned Akindele in the original discussion and holds no personal issues against her.
“I have absolutely nothing against Funke,” he said. “I did not say people should not dance to promote their films.”
Afolayan also confirmed that he reached out to actress Toyin Abraham, another figure linked to the online debate, who reportedly had no issue with his comments.
He further highlighted that just a week earlier, he had praised Akindele’s career and business model during a masterclass at the Kaduna Film Festival.
“I told them clearly, if you want a model that works, follow Funke Akindele’s model,” he said. “She started at a young age with Jenifa, and look at her brand today, it is consistent growth.”
Afolayan explained that while Akindele’s approach is effective, it may not suit everyone.
“I can’t do what they are doing because they have the energy and it works for them,” he said. “I do many things today, but film gave birth to all of them.”
He stressed that his intention was 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.”
The filmmaker also promised to share the video from the Kaduna masterclass to clarify his position further.
