Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has responded to the uproar surrounding his recent statement about Netflix’s funding of Nigerian original films, emphasizing that his remarks were misinterpreted.
The outcry erupted when some people claimed his words signaled that Netflix was leaving Nigeria.
During an interview with Channels TV, Kunle clarified that his purpose was to highlight a shift in Netflix’s operating strategy rather than to indicate their departure.
“If Netflix parks and leaves, of course, it is going to affect all of us,” he said.
“I was addressing some of the government officials who were there at Zuma because Victor Okhai, who is the moderator, was a voice in the Nigerian film industry. I was not at the event he was talking about. I was not privy to whatever conversation must have happened there.”
Kunle noted that Netflix had recently reassured stakeholders of its commitment to Nigerian stories but acknowledged changes in its approach.
“The last time they were here, we had a meeting, and they were still reassuring us saying, ‘Look, we are still here. We are going to do stuff but we might not be able to do the kind of volume that we used to do.’”
He also emphasised the need for Nigeria to develop alternative distribution platforms.
“What I was emphasising is that even if Netflix says they are not doing enough or taking as many films as they should, why shouldn’t we as a country come up with other distribution platforms? Just like other people put up their films on YouTube.”
The filmmaker added that his working relationship with Netflix remains strong, citing recent projects such as Anikulapo.
“We just shot two seasons of Anikulapo, and I give them good content. We will continue to give them as long as they are here.”
Netflix has also debunked rumours of exiting Nigeria stating, “We are not exiting Nigeria. We will continue to invest in Nigerian stories to delight our audience.”
