Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has reacted to comments made by her colleague, Kunle Afolayan, regarding film marketing strategies and cinema earnings reportedly running into billions of naira.

In a series of public remarks, Afolayan criticised what he described as exhausting promotional techniques used by some filmmakers to push their movies in cinemas. Speaking during the launch of his film Anikulapo, he noted that box office figures do not always translate into personal profit for producers.

“There is no competition between us. I don’t just want N1 billion or N2 billion in the cinema that I won’t be able to personally receive N10 million from,” he said.

Afolayan also questioned the heavy reliance on social media skits and constant costume changes to promote films. During his appearance at the Lagos Business of Film Summit, he explained why he avoids such methods.

“I want to make a film if you can guarantee I don’t have to dance to sell. We need to come up with other strategies. How do we sell without exhausting ourselves? I don’t know how the likes of Funke Akindele and others are doing it. Creating skits every day, changing costumes all the time. I can’t do it,” he stated.

Reacting via her Instagram story, Funke Akindele dismissed the remarks, attributing them to jealousy. She urged filmmakers to focus on their individual journeys rather than criticising others.

“I’m not the one hindering your progress. Ka rin ka po, yiye ni n ye ni. If you can’t beat them or join them, create your own path. Don’t allow jealousy to burn you. The sky is big enough for everyone to fly,” she wrote.

The actress further encouraged creatives to explore alternative marketing strategies or engage professional firms to handle promotions, stressing that opportunities remain limitless for everyone in the industry.

“I’m focused on mine, and I have faith in God’s plan for me,” she added.