- Nollywood actor and filmmaker Adedimeji Lateef confirms that his relationship with Netflix is intact, stating that the second part of his movie, Lisabi, will be released in January 2025.
- Nigerians were shocked by rumors that Netflix was leaving the country.
- The report was sparked by Nollywood director Kunle Afolayan’s announcement that the platform had stopped funding directors.
Nollywood actor and filmmaker Adedimeji Lateef has confirmed that his partnership with Netflix remains strong, announcing that the second installment of his film Lisabi is set to premiere on the streaming service in January 2025.
On Wednesday, Nigerians were taken aback by rumors suggesting that Netflix was withdrawing from the country. This speculation arose after Nollywood director Kunle Afolayan disclosed that the platform had ceased funding for directors.
During the 2024 Zuma Film Festival, Afolayan mentioned that his project, Anikulapo: The Rise of the Spectre, was unaffected as he had already completed filming the two additional seasons that had been approved by Netflix. However, he noted that other directors still in the midst of production for Netflix projects were left in uncertainty due to the platform’s recent decision.
In response to Afolayan’s comments, Netflix assured reporters that they were not exiting Nigeria, although they did not specifically address his concerns. The platform reiterated its commitment to supporting Nigerian narratives but did not clarify the nature of this support.
Since the emergence of these reports, numerous fans of local content have voiced their apprehensions, particularly regarding the continuations of their beloved series, including Lisabi, which features Adedimeji Lateef.
Adedimeji Lateef took to X to clarify the situation.
“The internet got a not so good news about our principal partners NETFLIX yesterday and a lot of people have expressed concerns about LISABI – A LEGEND IS BORN
“We’re pleased to announce to you that our relationship with the streaming platform is intact and the second part of our blockbuster movie, Lisabi will hit Netflix in January as promised.
Anticipate magic, Trailer and Poster dropping soon.”