The family of the veteran filmmaker and co-founder of the foremost Nollywood production company, Cinekraft, Wale Fanu, has announced his passing.
“This is to announce that our father, grandfather, brother and Uncle Wale Fanu has transitioned into glory. He passed on the 11th of June, 2022.
“We appreciate and thank the industry for acknowledging and appreciating his contributions.
“The family will officially communicate the funeral arrangements as soon as possible. We thank you all for your kind support, words of affection and concern. Ojo a jinna sira o,” read a statement from the family.
The 72-year-old veteran lived with sickle cell and was a production titan. CineKraft, which he founded alongside others, including Tunde Kelani, contributed substantially to Nollywood’s birth.
In a tribute entitled ‘Wale Fanu: Patron Saint of Possibilities’, filmmaker Femi Odugbemi highlighted his achievements, including mentoring younger ones.
Odugbemi wrote, “He was a veteran and venerable TV/film producer whose career works spanned broadcasting and film. He was also the energizer of many heritage projects in independent production in the late 80s and 90s and a personal mentor to emerging storytellers across the spectrum.
“He was an enabler by instinct. Nothing was too challenging, and his joy came from making the impossible happen. We would discover that Wale Fanu was a towering expression of human resilience and courage beyond filmmaking.
“He was always there to attend to everyone needing something at Cinekraft because he often would sit on a bench outside the building, so you would most likely encounter him first on arrival. So many years of shared ideas, stories and support to everyone and sundry projects in this industry makes the passing of Uncle Wale Fanu a real loss to our industry.
“History will be kind to his memory. Hopefully, when we all gather to bid this giant our final goodbyes, we will also remember to say our heartfelt thank you for that avuncular spirit of possibilities that defined him and inspired us all.”
Another of Fanu’s proteges, Jide Bisayo, wrote, “In the beginning, while Nollywood was still an embryo, there was CINEKRAFT. CineKraft, in no small way, contributed to the birthing of the nascent industry.
“Behind Cinekraft administration and production management was one indefatigable, never tiring creative soul, my boss, Wale Fanu. Uncle Wales (as I like calling you), rest in the bosom of the Lord. A titan has gone home indeed!”
