Nollywood filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has addressed the controversy surrounding his remarks about Netflix’s dedication to the Nigerian movie business.
The controversy started when Victor Okhai, President of the Administrators Guild of Nigeria, revealed on the Zuma Movie Competition that Netflix halted the acquisition and funding of Nigerian movies in November 2024.
Afolayan’s feedback had been a response to Okhai’s considerations in regards to the potential affect of Netflix scaling again operations.
This announcement sparked widespread hypothesis, with some decoding Afolayan’s feedback throughout the occasion as a affirmation that Netflix had certainly “left Nigeria.”
Nonetheless, Netflix debunked the viral stories and reaffirmed its dedication to Nigerian storytelling.
U-turn
In an interview on Channels Tv on Friday, Afolayan, 50, clarified that his remarks had been misinterpreted.
“I by no means stated Netflix is leaving Nigeria,” he defined. “I emphasised the necessity for us, as a rustic, to determine sturdy native distribution methods. Netflix has reassured us that they’re nonetheless right here, although they could scale back the amount of tasks they fund.”
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He additionally famous that Netflix had reaffirmed its dedication to Nigerian filmmakers throughout current conferences, although with indications of changes to its funding and operational buildings.
Different distribution
Mr Afolayan highlighted the significance of decreasing over-reliance on worldwide platforms, urging Nigerian filmmakers to innovate and construct sustainable native distribution methods.
“On the Zuma Movie Competition, my level was that even when Netflix reduces the variety of tasks it takes on, we should create distribution platforms. Why rely solely on exterior platforms after we can innovate regionally?” he stated.
The award-winning filmmaker listed YouTube as a viable various and referenced Amazon Prime’s continued licensing of Nigerian movies regardless of scaling again unique productions.
Whereas acknowledging considerations, the New York Movie Academy graduate emphasised Netflix’s ongoing engagement with the Nigerian movie business.
“In current conferences, Netflix reassured us that they continue to be dedicated to Nigerian tales, however the quantity of tasks won’t be as excessive as earlier than. They’re nonetheless investing in high quality content material,” he stated.
He additionally shared updates on his tasks, together with Anikulapo, a Netflix-exclusive collection spanning two seasons, which is at present in post-production. Moreover, his new movie, Recall, is slated for a February cinema launch and might be accessible for licensing to any platform afterwards.
“We didn’t make Recall a Netflix unique, but when they wish to license it after its cinema run, we’re open to discussions. Platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, or others will at all times be fascinated with distinctive content material,” he added.
Wake-up name
The 50-year-old filmmaker described his statements as a “wake-up name” for the Nigerian movie business to take management of its distribution and scale back dependency on worldwide platforms.
“I pressured that even when Netflix scales again, we should develop distribution channels. Platforms like YouTube are useful however include dangers tied to world coverage adjustments. We should construct one thing unbiased and sustainable,” he defined.
The Golden Results Footage CEO highlighted Netflix’s optimistic affect on the business, from providing financial stability by overseas forex earnings to fostering artistic freedom. Nonetheless, he known as on the federal government to supply much-needed help.
“All we’re asking for are incentives and infrastructure, resembling movie villages and renewable power options,” Afolayan stated, urging prioritisation of the artistic sector.
Regardless of the rumours, Mr Afolayan stays optimistic about Netflix’s continued presence in Nigeria and the way forward for the native movie business. “The important thing takeaway is that we have to diversify our choices. We should always collaborate as practitioners and create options that make sure the longevity of our business,” he concluded.
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Feminine cinematographers dearth
In the meantime, in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES in Lagos, the filmmaker highlighted the gender disparity within the film business. Whereas girls have made strides in sure areas, cinematography is usually seen as a male-dominated subject.
The Golden Results Footage CEO mentioned the explanations behind this notion, attributing it to the “bodily calls for of the job. Feminine cinematography is sort of a man’s work. It is because it entails carrying, lifting, and shifting heavy gear. It’s a must to be agile.”
The filmmaker stated societal expectations additionally play a job, with girls typically inspired to pursue roles in entrance of the digital camera or much less bodily intensive areas like make-up and costume design.
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