NIGERIAN filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan has expressed optimism about the growing presence of streaming platforms in Nigeria and Africa, particularly Netflix and Prime Video.
In a recent interview, Afolayan highlighted the continent's unique storytelling methods and perspectives, which have attracted Western investors.
"Well, I think it's going to get better. One, Netflix is not the only one operating in Nigeria. Now you have Amazon [Prime Video], and you have a lot of people trying to come in. Why are they coming? It's because there's something here. And it means it's because there's something in Africa. There's something in the continent," he said.
Afolayan also emphasised the importance of creative freedom for Nigerians and Africans, citing the limitations faced by Francophone African films funded by European countries but rarely accessible to local audiences.
"So again, if we have some of these guys who are investors, but at the same time, who allow you to stay creative and do your thing without necessarily controlling how you tell your narrative, then I think it's a great thing for Nigeria and for Africa. Unlike before, when most of the Francophone films were funded by Europe, France, Germany, Belgium, and all. And most of these films, yeah, great production value, but even the citizens and indigenes of all of those countries actually don't get to see the films," he added.
Afolayan advised filmmakers to push forward and use available resources, sharing his own experience of taking a loan to fund his films before securing a three-film deal with Netflix in 2021.
"But then, if you go all out, use your money. People don't know. I used my money to make a film. I've taken a bank loan, which is actually against the ethics of film funding. But I've always looked for every possible way to fund film before this Netflix intervention and partnership came. So I think in the next five years, it will be safe to say that there will be more young filmmakers doing great things."
He also stressed the importance of building a strong work ethic, saying, "You need a championing course, and this championing means that you need to convince people who listen to you and see sense and value in whatever it is you're preaching, and once you're able to do that, people will follow. You have to, of course, put in a lot yourself."
