Award-winning filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele has reiterated that her focus remains firmly on telling authentic Nigerian and African stories, rather than engaging in competition within the film industry.
Speaking at an awards ceremony organised by the National Film and Video Censors Board, Akindele stressed that her creative journey is driven by purpose and cultural representation, not rivalry.
“I’m not competing. It’s not a competition. I just want to tell African stories, our own Nigerian stories. I want us to feel accepted, loved,” she said.
According to her, the goal is to ensure audiences around the world connect directly with Nigerian narratives, gaining insight into the country’s realities through stories told by its own people.
“I want them to watch our movies, learn, see what we go through, hear our stories directly from a Nigerian, an African. That’s all I want to do,” she added, teasing upcoming projects but withholding specific details.
Keeping Future Projects Under Wraps
When asked about possible sequels or new productions, the box office powerhouse remained tight-lipped, assuring fans that what lies ahead will be worth the wait.
“I don’t want to spill it yet. Let’s keep our fingers crossed, but you will love it,” she said. “I don’t pressure myself. I just keep taking it day at a time, doing my thing.”
Her comments suggest a measured, process-driven approach to filmmaking—one rooted in creativity rather than external expectations.
Record-Breaking Box Office Success
Akindele’s impact on Nollywood’s commercial landscape has been remarkable. Her top four highest-grossing films have collectively generated over N7.6 billion, underscoring her dominance at the Nigerian box office.
Her latest release, Behind The Scenes, grossed an impressive N2.7 billion, earning the distinction of becoming the highest-grossing Nollywood film to date. The achievement further cements her reputation as one of the industry’s most bankable filmmakers.
Notably, she revealed that she had initially considered producing a sequel to A Tribe Called Judah but ultimately felt compelled to explore a different creative direction.
“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,” she explained.
Learning, Reinventing, Growing
Central to Akindele’s continued success, she said, is her willingness to evolve. She credits constructive criticism, mentorship, and constant learning as vital elements of her growth as a storyteller.
“I listen to constructive criticisms; I really listen to them. I’m a good storyteller, and I want to be the best at it,” she noted.
By watching films, reading widely, and studying narrative techniques, she continues to refine her craft while pushing beyond familiar storytelling patterns.
For Akindele, the journey is less about outshining peers and more about elevating African narratives on the global stage—one story at a time.