Biodun Stephen Defends On-Screen Kissing, Says Directors Aren’t Responsible for Marital Problems
Award-winning Nigerian filmmaker Biodun Stephen has defended the use of on-screen kissing and romantic scenes in Nollywood productions, arguing that directors should not be held responsible for marital issues involving actors.
Speaking during a recent interview, the acclaimed director said acting is a profession that requires performers to portray different characters and emotions, including romance, where the script demands it.
According to Biodun Stephen, separating fiction from reality is essential, stressing that actors are professionals carrying out their roles and should not be judged based on scenes performed on set.
She maintained that a strong marriage is built on trust, communication, and mutual understanding, not on the roles an actor or actress plays in a film.
The filmmaker emphasized that directors simply interpret stories for the screen and should not be blamed for personal or relationship challenges that may arise outside the production process.
Stephen also noted that actors have the right to discuss boundaries and expectations before accepting roles, adding that decisions about intimate scenes are typically agreed upon by all parties involved during production.
Her comments come amid ongoing debates within the entertainment industry over the impact of romantic scenes on relationships and the personal lives of actors.
The filmmaker encouraged audiences to appreciate movies as creative works while respecting the professionalism of actors and filmmakers who bring stories to life.
Her remarks have sparked mixed reactions on social media. While many agreed that actors should not be held accountable for fictional performances, others argued that couples should openly discuss career expectations and personal boundaries before taking on roles involving intimacy.
Biodun Stephen remains one of Nollywood’s most respected filmmakers, known for producing emotionally driven stories that have earned critical acclaim and a loyal audience across Nigeria and beyond.
