“I Directed a Movie Without Understanding Its Storyline” – Kunle Afolayan’s Candid Confession Shocks Fans

Image: X

In a jaw-dropping revelation, celebrated Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan shared his experience directing a film whose storyline he never understood. Speaking at the third edition of KAP Film & Television Academy’s Reel Circle, Afolayan recounted a bizarre chapter of his career that was equal parts puzzling and adventurous.

“I was asked to direct something I know nothing about,” Afolayan said. “I tried to bail out, but I was convinced I could do it. Yet, even after reading the script, I still didn’t understand it.”

The film in question was an installation film—a genre entirely foreign to Afolayan, whose expertise lies in narrative storytelling. He sought guidance from late filmmaker Biodun Aleja and others, but their reactions only confirmed the script’s complexity. Even a two-hour meeting with the producer in London failed to demystify the project. Instead, her abstract showreel left Afolayan even more baffled.

“I called the link and said, ‘I am not doing this,’” Afolayan admitted, but the stakes were high. With a $40,000 paycheck on the table and opportunities to shoot in iconic locations like Miami and Chicago, the filmmaker reluctantly forged ahead.

The shoot was a whirlwind of confusion and extravagance. “We filmed in the oldest museum with five trucks of equipment. It was like being thrown into the ocean and asked to swim,” Afolayan said. Despite his efforts, the film remained an enigma. “Up till now, I do not understand the story. There was no story.”

Remarkably, the film still achieved a degree of success, with premieres in five countries. For Afolayan, it was an unforgettable and surreal learning experience: “If I watch it again, I’d still ask, ‘What was the story?’”

Source: DP

#KunleAfolayan