Pioneering Nigerian film as craft first: Kunle Afolayan
From as early as age 14, Kunle Afolayan travelled West Africa, learning the craft of screening films off of 16mm projectors.
The son of the late renowned Nigerian actor, filmmaker, dramatist, and producer, Adeyemi Josiah Afolayan, Kunle’s creative ambition was yet to form.
Despite securing the role of the lead actor in the hit 1999 political drama, Saworoide (dir. Tunde Kelani) much of this initial exposure was simply family duty.
A degree in business administration saw Kunle Afolayan spend 7 years in banking, before being pulled back to the arts, undertaking studies at the New York Film Academy in London.
Filmography
In 2006, Kunle released his debut movie, Irapada (“Redemption”), which he produced and co-directed.
His expertise and dedication paid off, as the film garnered recognition at the Pan African Film Festival, the London Film Festival, and won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Film in an African Language.
Kunle used his negotiation skills to persuade Silverbird Cinemas to screen the culturally specific content for one week.
The movie exceeded expectations, running for four weeks due to massive crowds and extensive ticket sales.
This marked the beginning of his successful career in the Nigerian film industry, with subsequent releases including The Figurine in 2009, October 1 in 2014, and The CEO in 2016.
Check out his filmography here
Kunle’s success can be attributed not only to his creative talent but also to his keen business acumen and understanding of the industry.
His films consistently showcase his signature style and his ability to resonate with his target audience.
His innovative thinking and commitment to quality, has helped pave the way for what many now call “The New Nollywood.”
Kunle is uncompromising about production quality – he notes that while the digital era brought ease and accessibility, it allows for short-cuts on elements such as camera quality, audio treatment, color correction and grading.
Long before his formal education, Kunle learned the art of craftsmanship in the early 90s, from watching how his father and peers approached filmmaking.
If you pay attention to format, a film could achieve longevity by simply being able to fit on several platforms.
Netflix Partnership!
For Kunle, Netflix’s entry into the Nigerian market came at the right time. He describes distribution as one of the major challenges, especially for indie filmmakers across the world.
In March 2021, Netflix signed a three-film deal with Kunle, with Aníkúlápó being the second title in the agreement.
https://www.bellanaija.com/2021/03/kunle-afolayan-netflix-partnership/
Aníkúlápó, released on September 30, 2022, is an epic fantasy about a widow, a spirit, and the promise of another chance at life.
The film quickly became the most-watched film in Nigeria in 2022 and earned a spot in the global top 10 as the number one foreign film on Netflix.
It has been nominated for 16 AMVCA awards see here
Kunle believes the film’s success demonstrates that the market is ready for more diverse and sustainable content that showcases the richness of Yoruba culture.
Much of the crew behind the title is part of Kunle’s “winning team”, having walked a decade-long journey together.
His assessment of the Nigerian film industry is a market that’s ready and brimming with adrenaline to meet the global demand for local content, with Netflix serving as a catalyst for further growth of the industry.
KAP FILM AND TELEVISION ACADEMY
Despite the size of the industry – more capable hands are needed.
The KAP Film and Television Academy was founded to invest in capacity-building, especially for Nigeria’s young and emerging filmmakers.
In partnership with both Netflix and USC School of Cinematic Arts, KAP has recently graduated its second batch of students in Sound Post-Production.
Reflecting on those lessons from the early 90s, Kunle’s advice for the next generation is to merge creative passion with understanding the business of film –
“quality in, ensures quality out, and making a great film is just as important as finding your audience“
To start making your own films, sign up to KAP FILM AND TV ACADEMY, click HERE
819 Comments
heater repair
Hello, I believe your web site could possibly be having internet browser compatibility problems. Whenever I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in IE, it’s got some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Other than that, great website!
UFABETทางเข้าแทงบอลฟรี
After I initially commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Appreciate it.
juicer blender
Everything is very open with a really clear description of the issues. It was truly informative. Your website is very useful. Thanks for sharing!
博彩百科
This website definitely has all of the information I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
서울출장마사지
I simply wanted to convey how much I’ve gleaned from this article. Your meticulous research and clear explanations make the information accessible to all readers. It’s abundantly clear that you’re committed to providing valuable content.
sneakers
Greetings, I believe your blog could possibly be having browser compatibility problems. When I take a look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in IE, it’s got some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, excellent website!
Driving school Cape Town
This page definitely has all of the info I wanted concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
juego P2E
I’m amazed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s both equally educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is an issue that too few people are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I stumbled across this during my search for something regarding this.
jogos play-to-earn
Hi, I do believe this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may return once again since i have saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide others.
juegos play-to-earn
Spot on with this write-up, I truly think this amazing site needs much more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the advice.
Social Media Girls, Sexy Social Media Girls
Hi! I could have sworn I’ve visited this web site before but after looking at a few of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely happy I discovered it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back regularly!
TU娛樂城
I wanted to thank you for this fantastic read!! I certainly enjoyed every little bit of it. I’ve got you saved as a favorite to check out new things you post…
authentic handbags for sale
Right here is the perfect blog for everyone who wants to find out about this topic. You understand so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a subject which has been discussed for many years. Great stuff, just great.
인천출장마사지
I’m truly impressed by the way you effortlessly distill intricate concepts into easily digestible information. Your writing style not only imparts knowledge but also engages the reader, making the learning experience both enjoyable and memorable. Your passion for sharing your expertise is unmistakable, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
origin data electronics
There’s certainly a great deal to know about this issue. I love all the points you have made.
order marijuana online australia
I really love your website.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you build this web site yourself? Please reply back as I’m planning to create my own personal site and would love to find out where you got this from or what the theme is named. Cheers.
chills
After I initially commented I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is a means you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks a lot.
matching couple valentines gifts
You’re so cool! I do not believe I’ve read through something like that before. So good to find someone with some genuine thoughts on this subject matter. Really.. thanks for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the web, someone with a little originality.
Moons
Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing.
economics ugc coaching in chandigarh
Spot on with this write-up, I truly believe that this website needs far more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the info!
recipes
An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been doing a little homework on this. And he in fact bought me dinner because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending time to talk about this matter here on your web site.
jogos play to earn
Hello, I do believe your site could be having browser compatibility issues. Whenever I look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in Internet Explorer, it’s got some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Apart from that, fantastic blog.
Mind-bending Optical Illusions
Your style is so unique in comparison to other people I’ve read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this site.
urban city online
Aw, this was a very nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to create a great article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and never seem to get nearly anything done.
African salon in Lecce
Excellent post! We are linking to this particularly great post on our website. Keep up the good writing.
juegos play to earn
I’m more than happy to find this site. I want to to thank you for your time due to this fantastic read!! I definitely enjoyed every bit of it and i also have you saved to fav to look at new stuff in your site.
juegos play-to-earn
Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this web site before but after going through many of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Regardless, I’m definitely delighted I discovered it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back often!
rulo boru poşet
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this post plus the rest of the site is very good.
iptv subscriptions uk
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this article plus the rest of the website is really good.
daa4a.ru
Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all people you really realize what you are talking approximately! Bookmarked. Please also seek advice from my web site =). We will have a link trade contract among us
https://pontinhoverde.com/
Good blog you’ve got here.. It’s difficult to find quality writing like yours nowadays. I really appreciate people like you! Take care!!
play-to-earn
Aw, this was an exceptionally good post. Taking the time and actual effort to generate a great article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and don’t manage to get anything done.
rfp
I must thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this blog. I really hope to check out the same high-grade content from you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own, personal website now 😉
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2021 Enterprise MULTI Win/Mac PL
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon every day. It will always be useful to read through articles from other writers and practice something from other websites.
daa4a.ru
I am curious to find out what blog system you are utilizing? I’m experiencing some minor security problems with my latest site and I would like to find something more safeguarded. Do you have any solutions?
daman game
I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both educative and interesting, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is something too few folks are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I stumbled across this in my hunt for something concerning this.
ivistroy.ru
I got this web site from my friend who informed me about this web site and now this time I am visiting this web site and reading very informative articles or reviews here.
filetransfer
I’m amazed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is something not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I found this during my search for something relating to this.
hop over to this site
Great info. Lucky me I found your website by accident (stumbleupon). I have bookmarked it for later!
서울출장안마
This article resonated with me on a personal level. Your ability to emotionally connect with your audience is truly commendable. Your words are not only informative but also heartwarming. Thank you for sharing your insights.
lucky jet 1 win
Встречайте Lucky Jet – ваш новый способ достичь успеха! Регистрируйтесь через luckyjet 1 win для доступа к этому увлекательному приключению.
서울출장샵
Your passion and dedication to your craft radiate through every article. Your positive energy is infectious, and it’s evident that you genuinely care about your readers’ experience. Your blog brightens my day!
출장마사지
Your storytelling prowess is nothing short of extraordinary. Reading this article felt like embarking on an adventure of its own. The vivid descriptions and engaging narrative transported me, and I eagerly await to see where your next story takes us. Thank you for sharing your experiences in such a captivating manner.
how to become an iso
What an insightful and meticulously-researched article! The author’s thoroughness and capability to present complicated ideas in a digestible manner is truly admirable. I’m extremely captivated by the scope of knowledge showcased in this piece. Thank you, author, for providing your expertise with us. This article has been a game-changer!
start a credit card processing company
I loved up to you will obtain carried out proper here. The cartoon is attractive, your authored material stylish. however, you command get got an shakiness over that you wish be turning in the following. sick no doubt come more before again as precisely the similar nearly very incessantly inside case you defend this hike.
slotozal casino зеркало
Good info. Lucky me I found your website by accident (stumbleupon). I have bookmarked it for later!
Post a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
wild life photography
I need to to thank you for this great read!! I certainly enjoyed every bit of it. I’ve got you book-marked to check out new stuff you post…