Award-winning actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has made it clear that she is not trying to compete with anyone in the film industry. Instead, she says her focus is on telling real African stories that connect with audiences at home and abroad.
She spoke at an awards event hosted by the National Film and Video Censors Board, where she shared her thoughts about her work and what drives her.
“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”.
When asked about possible sequels and new projects, Akindele chose not to reveal too much. However, she assured fans that they would be happy with what she has planned.
“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”.
Her latest film, Behind The Scenes, recently grossed N2.7 billion at the box office. The film has now become the highest-grossing Nollywood movie to date, marking another major milestone in her career.
Akindele said her growth as a filmmaker comes from listening and learning. She explained that constructive criticism and trying new storytelling styles have helped her improve over time.
“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.
Her comments show a filmmaker who is focused on growth, creativity, and staying true to her roots.
Funke Akindele’s message is simple. She is not chasing competition. She wants to tell African stories in her own way and help audiences see life through a Nigerian lens.
With the success of Behind The Scenes and hints of new projects ahead, fans can expect more films that reflect her passion for storytelling.
