- Funke Akindele reaffirms her focus on authentic Nigerian storytelling over industry rivalry at a National Film and Video Censors Board event.
- The filmmaker’s latest project, “Behind The Scenes,” has grossed a record-breaking N2.7 billion, cementing her position as Nollywood’s box office queen.
- Akindele credits her success to listening to constructive criticism and moving away from predictable story patterns.
Award-winning filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele has emphasised her commitment to telling authentic Nigerian and African stories, rather than competing with industry colleagues.
Eko Hot Blog reports that speaking at an awards event hosted by the National Film and Video Censors Board, Akindele addressed the perception of rivalry in the high-stakes movie industry.
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“I’m not competing. It’s not a competition. I just want to tell African stories, you know, our own Nigerian stories. I want us to feel accepted, loved,” Akindele said.
“I want them to watch our movies, learn, see what we go through, you know, hear our stories directly from a Nigerian, an African. That’s all I want to do. So this year, you will love it. But let’s keep our fingers crossed. I’m not going to spill it.”
Responding to questions about potential sequels and new releases, Akindele declined to reveal specific details but assured her massive fanbase they would be pleased with what is ahead.
“I don’t want to spill it yet. Let’s keep our fingers crossed, but you will love it. You will love it. I don’t pressure myself, I must say. No, I don’t put pressure on myself. I just keep taking it day at a time, doing my thing.”
Akindele’s films have consistently shattered box office records. Her top four highest-grossing Nollywood films have collectively earned over N7.6 billion.
Her latest cinematic offering, “Behind The Scenes,” recently grossed N2.7 billion, officially making it the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time.
The filmmaker attributes her sustained success to her ability to process feedback and her willingness to explore new narrative styles.
“Yes, it says a lot about recreating the story pattern, moving away from the normal thing you do. I listen to constructive criticisms; I really listen to them. I’m a good storyteller, and I want to be the best at it,” she explained.
She further noted that growth comes from observing others without being consumed by the spirit of competition. “I learn a lot from my competitors, from mentors out there.
I watch a lot of movies, I read books, and I listen to stories to grow my craft. It’s very important, so I must say it took me a lot of hard work on ‘Behind the Scenes.’ I just sat down, like I was supposed to produce ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ part two, and the spirit of God kept saying you have to move out of it… go and do something different, and here I am with it, so it’s a good one for me,” she added.
