Cinema Movies & Collaboration - Kunle Afolayan Sets the Record Straight at the Lagos Business of Film Summit

The recently concluded Lagos Business of Film Summit, hosted by Ope Ajayi (CEO of Cinemax) on January 30, 2026, brought together a powerhouse of Nollywood’s finest. From Mo Abudu and Naz Onuzo to Mercy Aigbe and Bisola Aiyeola, the room was packed with the architects of modern African cinema.

​However, the highlight of the day was a candid exchange involving veteran filmmaker Kunle Afolayan. Known for his meticulous production value and recent dominance on streaming platforms, Afolayan faced a direct challenge from a panelist who questioned his stance on two major fronts: his perceived lack of collaboration and his alleged "dislike" for the cinema.

​"You’re Totally Wrong": Afolayan on the Cinema Experience

​Responding to the claim that he isn't a fan of the big screen, Afolayan was quick to dismiss the notion. "For cinema, you're totally wrong," he stated, reminding the audience that he was among the pioneers of the modern Nigerian cinema era.

​He took a nostalgic trip back to 2007, recalling the early days of "hunting" for screenings at venues like Odeon Streatham in London long before cinema runs became the industry standard.

​While Afolayan respects the hustle of the theatrical release, he was transparent about the "draining" nature of marketing. He used the term "dancing" to describe the exhaustive physical promotion required to sell a film today a nod to the heavy social media presence and skit-making popularized by peers like Funke Akindele.

"I want to make a film, if you guarantee me that I don't have to dance to sell that film... How do we sell without exhausting ourselves?​"

​He acknowledged the success of those who create daily skits and costume changes to drive ticket sales but admitted that it’s a pace he cannot personally sustain. Instead, Afolayan called for new industry strategies ways to reach the audience without the creative team reaching a point of burnout.

​Fans of the Aníkúlápó director have reason to be excited. Despite his concerns about current distribution exhaustion, Afolayan revealed that he is sitting on a wealth of stories some of which have been in development for over four years.

With collaborators like Ladun Awobokun and Kene Okwuosa in the room, the message was clear, Kunle Afolayan isn't done with cinema; he's just looking for a smarter way to play the game.