Popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has reacted to comments made by fellow filmmaker Kunle Afolayan regarding cinema marketing strategies and blockbuster box office earnings.
Afolayan, in a series of videos, criticised what he described as the demanding promotional tactics currently used to market cinema releases. Speaking at the launch of his film Anikulapo, he stated that box office figures were not his primary motivation.
“There is no competition between us. I don’t just want N1 billion or N2 billion in the cinema when I may not personally make N10 million from it,” he said.
He further shared his views during an appearance at the Lagos Business of Film Summit, explaining why he does not align closely with cinema-driven promotion.
“I want to make films without having to dance to sell them. We need alternative strategies that don’t exhaust us. I honestly don’t know how Funke Akindele and others manage it—creating skits daily and constantly changing costumes. I can’t do that,” Afolayan remarked.
Reacting via her Instagram story, Akindele appeared to dismiss the comments, suggesting they were rooted in jealousy. She stressed that no one was responsible for hindering another person’s progress.
Encouraging individuality, the actress advised creatives to carve their own paths rather than resent others’ success, noting that the industry offers room for everyone to thrive. She added that filmmakers could explore alternative promotional ideas or engage professionals to handle marketing if certain methods do not suit them.
Akindele maintained that she remains focused on her journey and trusts in her personal vision and faith.
The comments come amid record-breaking box office performances by Nollywood actresses Toyin Abraham and Funke Akindele, whose recent films reportedly crossed the N1 billion and N2 billion marks.