I make films for posterity, not just commerce — Kunle Afolayan

Filmmaker and founder of KAP Film and Television Academy, Kunle Afolayan, has said his approach to filmmaking is driven more by the desire to create a lasting legacy than by immediate commercial success.

Afolayan, in an interview with Sunday Scoop, said he wants his films to remain relevant and continue to generate conversations long after they are released.

According to the filmmaker, the continued relevance of some of his works, including The Figurine and October 1, years after their release is evidence of his commitment to creating films with lasting value.

He said, “You have to just stay true to yourself. For me, it’s not just about commerce or commercial. I don’t do my things for, no, I do things for posterity, for legacy.

“You know, after you’re gone, what will people say about your works? Why are people still referencing The Figurine today, October 1, even after they were made over 10 years, almost 20 years ago? Why?

“So it’s because there’s something special about them.”

Afolayan’s comments come amid discussions about the changing business model of the Nigerian film industry, where filmmakers increasingly have to balance creative ambitions with commercial considerations and the demands of digital distribution.

The filmmaker also clarified his position on YouTube, stressing that although some of his films are available on the platform, he does not believe it offers the same opportunities as major streaming platforms such as Netflix and Prime Video.

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“My films are there now. We have KAPStream on YouTube, The Figurine, October 1, all those my films, CEO, they’re there. So we’re all on YouTube,” he said.

Afolayan noted that he could not condemn YouTube because he actively uses the platform to distribute his works.

“I have a channel. So it is impossible for me to condemn something that I’m part of. Even my father’s films are there,” he said.

However, he maintained that the platform could not offer filmmakers everything available through major streaming services.

He added, “I’m just saying YouTube will never give you what Netflix and Prime will give you. That’s all.”