Kunle Afolayan clarifies controversial remark on ‘Netflix exiting Nigeria’

• Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has clarified that his statement regarding Netflix’s funding of Nigerian original movies was misinterpreted and has since addressed the controversy.

• The controversy began after some individuals suggested that his comments implied Netflix was leaving Nigeria.

• In an interview on Channels TV, Kunle emphasized a change in Netflix’s operational strategy, not suggesting their departure.

Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has responded to the controversy surrounding his recent comments about Netflix’s investment in Nigerian original films, clarifying that his statements were misunderstood.

The controversy arose when some individuals interpreted his remarks as suggesting that Netflix was planning to withdraw from Nigeria.

In an interview with Channels TV, Kunle clarified that his goal was to emphasize a change in Netflix’s operational strategy rather than indicate any intention of leaving the country.

“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 acknowledged that Netflix had recently reassured stakeholders of its dedication to Nigerian narratives, while also recognizing a shift in their 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 stressed the importance of Nigeria developing alternative distribution channels.

“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 highlighted that his collaboration with Netflix remains robust, referencing recent projects like 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 refuted claims of exiting Nigeria, affirming, “We are not leaving Nigeria. We will continue to invest in Nigerian stories to entertain our audience.”