Renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has addressed a tense phone call from actress and producer Funke Akindele, following reports that he had criticized filmmakers who rely on dance-driven and aggressive promotional campaigns.
Speaking in an interview with Arise News, Afolayan described the call as emotionally charged and unexpected.
“She called and said, ‘I know you don’t like me, but don’t mention my name in your interviews.’ She was angry, yelling, and then she dropped the phone,” he recounted. “Funke is like a sister to me. We grew up together… I honestly didn’t understand where it was coming from.”
Afolayan emphasized that his remarks had been misrepresented. He clarified that he never criticised Akindele or any filmmaker for their promotional methods.
“I only said it’s not something I personally want to do. It’s exhausting for me,” he explained, noting that his comments were made in the context of a film business forum discussing cinema sustainability, profits, and the economic viability of cinema releases.
He expressed disappointment over the online backlash that followed. “If she felt offended in any way, I’m sorry,” Afolayan said, while condemning coordinated attacks that escalated the controversy.
Despite the disagreement, he praised Akindele’s accomplishments, highlighting her strategic career growth.
“I actually told young filmmakers that if they want a model that works now, they should study Funke Akindele’s journey from Jenifa to where her brand is today,” he said. He reiterated, “I have nothing against her at all. She’s my sister.”
