“It’s a huge setback, projects were canceled,” Kunle Afolayan says, confirming Netflix’s decision to stop streaming Nigerian content.
The globally recognized streaming service Netflix has ceased commissioning Nigerian original content, according to Nollywood producer and actor Kunle Afolayan.
That the director made this known at the 2024 Zuma International Film Festival in Abuja.
According to Kunle Afolayan, at a recent party, Netflix executives told filmmakers that they would no longer support Nigerian productions.
The filmmaker called the recent development a “big blow” and stated that it would have a major impact on the earnings of producers who make significant investments in the film industry.
Afolayan claims that while several filmmakers had their projects canceled, he was fortunate to have finished seasons two and three of the Anikulapo series.
Despite Netflix’s troubles, he advised filmmakers to keep creating high-caliber content.
He said, “They invited our filmmakers to a party. However, they had previously said to those they had been interacting with, “Look, we are pulling out.” What one could refer to as a “fatal last supper.” We should be provoked by things like that because without difficulties like that, chances are not visible. They are no longer reliable.
“Whatever it is you do if you make a conscious effort to be intentional when it comes to the kind of content that you make, the world will seek. The world will find you. The work will speak for itself. “I think we should continue what we do. Whether it is in English, Ibibio, or any native language. As long as the story has universal appeal and then the production value is highly considered, you will get on several platforms. “Coming to Netflix. It is heartbreaking. It is a big blow for us. In my head, I have been thinking about how can we go from earning dollars in films to now thinking about where we will put our films.
We signed a three-film agreement with Netflix three years ago. Since these things are guaranteed and you have the money to make them, it was as if we were given a contract that said, “We really don’t care if you work for other people or do other things.” You were to make one film for us annually about being creative. The budget you are being provided is basically connected to what they are getting in Nigeria.
