Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele has raised alarm about the growing problem of piracy in Nigeria’s film industry.
In a recent Instagram video, the box office star, preparing for the December 13th release of her new movie Everybody Loves Jenifa in cinemas, urged Nigerians to take a stand against piracy. She explained that recording videos in cinemas is a form of piracy and pleaded with people to stop, stressing that it is ruining the industry.
Funke highlighted the immense effort and resources she poured into her new project, emphasizing that she is still investing in the movie. She concluded her post by urging everyone to avoid supporting piracy.
“SAY NO TO PIRACY!!! Recording short videos at the cinemas is piracy!!!
Please stop it!!! Piracy is killing us!! I worked so hard, on this project. Please I’m pleading do not be caught promoting piracy!!! A lot of resources were and are still being invested in the movie Everybodylovesjenifa. Again, do not be caught encouraging piracy. Thank you”.
SAY NO TO PIRACY!!!🚫⛔️🚫🚫🚫❌❌❌❌
Recording short videos at the cinemas is piracy!!!
Please stop it!!!
Piracy is killing us!!
I worked so hard, on this project. Please I’m pleading do not be caught promoting piracy!!!A lot of resources was and is still being invested in… pic.twitter.com/GhoLnHVNgx
— Funke Akindele (@funkeakindele) December 11, 2024
Deyemi Okanlawon also spoke out against piracy in November while showing appreciation to a fan. The actor shared a screenshot of a fan expressing interest in watching a pirated version of his latest movie. Another fan reprimanded the behavior and offered to buy tickets for five people to watch the movie in cinemas.
In response, Deyemi explained the challenges Nollywood producers, especially emerging ones like himself, face in creating world-class stories without support from the government or financial institutions. He stressed that many Nigerians underestimate the harm and financial loss caused by piracy. Commending the generous fan, he said the kind gesture restored his faith in Nigerians.
Read Also: Why I Quit Movie Production – Olaiya Igwe