Funke Akindele: I'm not competing, I just want to tell African stories
Award-winning filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele has emphasised her commitment to telling authentic Nigerian and African stories, rather than competing with industry colleagues. Speaking at an awards event hosted by
Award-winning filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele has emphasised her commitment to telling authentic Nigerian and African stories, rather than competing with industry colleagues.
Speaking at an awards event hosted by the National Film and Video Censors Board, Akindele said, “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.
“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 details but assured fans 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 broken box office records; her top four highest-grossing Nollywood films have earned over N7.6 billion.
Her latest film, Behind The Scenes, grossed N2.7 billion, making it the highest-grossing Nollywood film.
The filmmaker attributes her success to constructive criticism, continuous learning, and exploring 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.
“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 said.
