The Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, has been buzzing with one of its most talked-about controversies in recent weeks, involving veteran filmmaker Kunle Afolayan and award-winning actress-producer Funke Akindele. What began as a discussion about film marketing and cinema economics quickly escalated into a public misunderstanding that captivated social media and industry watchers nationwide.
The drama began at the 2026 Lagos Business of Film Summit, where Kunle Afolayan shared his honest views on the current trends in film promotion. Afolayan, a respected filmmaker credited with pioneering cinema storytelling in Nigeria, expressed frustration with the intense marketing strategies some filmmakers now adopt. He explained that creating non-film content such as viral dance skits and frequent promotional videos was something he found “draining” and not essential to his creative process. He noted that while cinema numbers might be high, the actual profit for producers after costs, tax, and shares can be much lower than expected. His comments were meant to highlight the sustainability of cinema economics and open up conversations about alternative ways to promote films.
However, once clips of his remarks spread on social media, many connected the comments to the promotional tactics led by Funke Akindele, whose film Behind the Scenes recently made history by grossing over ₦2.4 billion at the cinema; one of the highest-grossing Nollywood films in recent times. This success has been linked in part to fun, high-energy promotional activities and viral videos, a strategy Afolayan indirectly referenced in his speech.
The situation intensified when Funke Akindele personally reached out to Afolayan by phone, according to his own account. Afolayan revealed that Akindele called him, expressing anger over real or perceived criticism. He recalled that she told him she thought he did not like her and asked him not to mention her name in future interviews. The call reportedly ended abruptly.
In response to the backlash, Toyin Abraham took to social media, posting a dance video in a playful yet pointed reply to Afolayan’s comment about dancing to promote films, reinforcing that Oversabi Aunty was still showing in cinemas across Nigeria and internationally.
Despite the heat online, Kunle Afolayan later clarified his stance in another interview. He insisted that his remarks were not targeted at Funke Akindele personally and that he respects her achievements. Afolayan emphasised that his intention was to highlight his own preferences and how he chooses to work, not to diminish anyone else’s success. He even encouraged young filmmakers to learn from Akindele’s marketing model if they wished. He also apologised if any of his comments were taken as offensive.
The unfolding saga didn’t stop there. Actress Funke Akindele also weighed in indirectly, appearing to throw shade at Afolayan in a social media video, which added a new layer to the discussion on social media as followers and celebs picked sides and shared opinions online.
Today, the conversation has shifted from personal conflict to broader industry discourse. The episode has sparked deeper debate about how Nollywood films are marketed, the role of social media in driving cinema success, and whether traditional filmmakers should adapt to new trends or carve out their own promotional strategies. Many stakeholders in the industry have emphasised the need for unity, mutual respect, and constructive discussion, rather than controversy overshadowing the real achievements of Nigerian cinema.
What started as a film-business conversation has transformed into one of Nollywood’s most engaging public discussions on creative expression, marketing innovation, and professional respect — proof that as the industry grows, so too do the conversations around how it evolves and adapts to the digital age.
