Instead of competing with her peers in the industry, award-winning actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has emphasised her dedication to telling genuine African and Nigerian stories.
“I’m not competing,” Akindele stated during a National Film and Video Censors Board awards ceremony. It isn’t a contest. All I want to do is share African tales, specifically our own Nigerian tales. I want us to experience love and acceptance.
“I would like them to view our films, gain knowledge, observe our experiences, and hear our stories firsthand from an African and a Nigerian.” All I want to do is that. You will therefore enjoy it this year. Let’s cross our fingers, though. I will not divulge it.
In response to enquiries concerning prospective follow-ups and upcoming releases, Akindele promised fans they would be happy with the developments but declined to provide specifics.
“I’d rather not reveal it just yet. We’ll cross our fingers, but you’ll adore it. You’ll adore it. I have to admit, I don’t put any pressure on myself. No, I don’t push myself. I simply continue to do my thing and take things day by day.”.”
Box office records have been routinely broken by Akindele’s films; her top four Nollywood productions have brought in over N7.6 billion.
With a gross of N2.7 billion, her most recent film, Behind the Scenes, became the highest-grossing Nollywood production.
The director credits constructive criticism, lifelong learning, and experimenting with new narrative techniques for her success.
Indeed, it makes a strong point about breaking away from your typical routine and re-creating the story’s structure. I pay close attention to constructive criticism. I want to be the best storyteller, and I’m good at it.
“I pick up a lot of knowledge from mentors and competitors alike. To hone my craft, I read books, watch a lot of films, and listen to stories. Since it’s so crucial, I have to admit that Behind the Scenes required a lot of effort on my part.
The spirit of God kept telling her to get out of it and do something different, so she said, “I just sat down, like I was supposed to produce A Tribe Called Judah part two, and here I am with it, so it’s a good one for me.”
