 |
| Image: Google |
Nollywood star and filmmaker Funke Akindele has issued a heartfelt appeal to her fans in the United Kingdom, urging them to stop posting recorded clips from her latest film, Behind the Scenes, on social media.
The movie, which held its international premiere on December 4 at the Odeon Cinemas in Greenwich, London, has been generating significant buzz since its debut. However, the excitement online has now turned into a source of concern for the filmmaker, who fears that unauthorised uploads could harm the film’s commercial success.
Akindele released a video message addressing the situation, expressing gratitude for the support the movie has received so far while emphasizing the damage that piracy could cause ahead of its Nigerian release scheduled for December 12. According to her, the early leak of video clips and scenes could discourage potential cinema-goers, thereby affecting ticket sales and undermining the overall investment poured into the production.
In the video, she spoke candidly about the seriousness of the situation, saying:
“UK fans that have watched Behind the Scenes, please stop posting online, you’re not helping or promoting.”
She further stressed the scale of the investment behind the film, adding:
“Please don’t record, we spent over a billion on that project, don’t let me run into debt, please stop posting the recordings, it is piracy.”
Her message has sparked widespread conversation, highlighting the increasing struggle Nigerian filmmakers face with piracy in the digital age. While leaks have long been a problem in the industry, the growing popularity of social media platforms such as TikTok, X, Snapchat, and Instagram Stories has made it easier for moviegoers to upload content instantly from cinema halls, often without considering the consequences.
Akindele’s plea has resonated deeply with fans and industry colleagues, many of whom have taken to social media to amplify her message and discourage the circulation of unauthorised content. Supporters praised her transparency and urged others to protect the integrity of Nollywood by avoiding piracy in all forms.
Several fans expressed sympathy for the actress, acknowledging the enormous cost and effort that go into producing high-quality films. They emphasized that waiting for the official nationwide release is the best way to support both the filmmaker and the industry at large.
The upcoming December 12 Nigerian cinema release of Behind the Scenes is expected to attract strong viewership, especially given Akindele’s reputation for delivering box-office hits such as A Tribe Called Judah and Battle on Buka Street. Industry analysts believe that if the piracy concerns are contained, the film could experience a successful run similar to her previous works.
Meanwhile, Akindele continues to encourage her audience to enjoy the film legally and responsibly. Her call serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of the creative industry, where a single leaked clip can impact revenue, discourage investors, and undermine months—sometimes years—of hard work.
With fans rallying behind her, the actress remains hopeful that the message will be taken seriously and that Behind the Scenes will receive the full support it deserves in the Nigerian cinemas.
#FunkeAkindele
#Newmoviealert
#TrendingNow
No comments:
Post a Comment