After a video in which he defended his new series Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens and insisted that his work is “for thinkers,” Nollywood filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has provoked controversy among fans.
On January 30, the threequel to the 2022 Oscar winner Anikulapo debuted as a five-part miniseries on Netflix. Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan responded to criticism on Instagram by highlighting that his narratives are meant for those who value thought rather than traditional entertainment.
Afolayan clarified in a video released on Tuesday that his movies are made for audiences that value complex storylines and provocative filmmaking. He used his already well-known pieces, Irapada and The Figurine, as illustrations of this strategy.
“We create pictures for the cerebral, which is something really unique to the genre we work in. We create movies for intelligent people. I don’t anticipate that everyone will enjoy or comprehend the movie. However, I anticipate that those I am attempting to reach will understand.
The director disclosed that scholars and serious thinkers had given him positive feedback. He said, “I have heard from academics, scholars, and deep thinkers; I have read from them, and I appreciate them.”
He said, “To those who really don’t get it, let me break it down in layman’s terms,” in response to people who said they didn’t understand the series. There are a lot of episodes in this series. Only a handful of the episodes have been shown to you. When you haven’t even seen the whole thing, how do you mentally determine that it is bad?
“When you watch series like ‘Game of Thrones’ and the rest, you have to wait every week before the new episode comes out,” he continued, drawing a connection with overseas productions. Why have you decided that the stories are everywhere when you haven’t even seen them all?
Supporters and opponents of X clashed over his interpretation of “intellectual” filmmaking after the statement sparked a rush of replies.He was supported by getKennethed22, who wrote, “He’s taking a swipe at Funke.” However, what he said is accurate. Funke primarily targets people with low IQs with his flicks. Why clever people and thinkers would find her films comprehensible and shrewd is beyond me.
“Some low-capacity people will take this as shade,” @AyoKnight1 added. He’s not incorrect, though. Some movies require your intelligence, while others require you to unwind, enjoy, and have a good time. Both are excellent. There is nothing more to his films than their catering to the former.
“If you came for explosions and flying slippers, you’re in the wrong cinema,” @DharnyelPeter wrote in a more literary tone. Avengers: Yoruba Edition is not this. Step outside. For popcorn chaos, some individuals hit the play button. Others hit play for subtext and metaphor. It’s your fault if you don’t understand.” @”D Season 2 had a lot of unnecessary long scenes and was just here and there,” djdamanny commented. He was quite laid back about this and even anticipated some extra from the Oyinbo moments in the film. There isn’t much to blow one’s mind.
“What’s crazy is people applauding this crazy statement? This man called everyone who didn’t enjoy this asshole of a movie unintellectual. Is he not the one who lacks intelligence?” expressed @mickeytrinny1. Who else but the customer is best qualified to review your film?”So na we be gbas gbos,” wrote OladimejiEgbey 1. Instead of calling us your fans Gbas or Gbos fans, a man needs to learn from his error. Don’t worry, you and your family will see your future film, insha’Allah.
