Renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has showered high praise on the impact of streaming giant Netflix, describing their collaborative relationship as one of the most pivotal milestones in the history of KAP Group.
Over the years, Afolayan’s production outfit has delivered several critically acclaimed and commercially successful titles to global audiences via the platform, bridging the gap between local Nigerian narratives and international viewers.
Reflecting on the journey of digital distribution, Afolayan emphasized how vital platform partnerships have been in elevating production standards and expanding the global footprint of African cinema.
Afolayan, who spoke as a guest on the Ni-dacity Podcast, said the partnership allowed the production company to focus more on creating content rather than constantly searching for funding.
“I think for me, I’ll say our relationship with Netflix was one of the best things that happened to Johnny and to the KAP Group because the minute we started that relationship, we started focusing more on making the content instead of running around looking for money.”
“The dream of an average independent filmmaker is to have your film seen,” he said.
Afolayan said streaming platforms can help address some of those challenges by providing funding for productions and access to a global audience.
“There is a streaming platform that says, take this money, make film. So don’t worry about money; focus. And then they say, don’t worry, we’re going to put your film on platform where the whole world will see your film.”
Reflecting on the impact of Netflix’s support on his work, the filmmaker said the platform played a significant role in the success of his film Anikulapo.
“Without that, Anikulapo would not have blown up the way it did,” he said, adding, “We need more.”
Afolayan said digital distribution platforms have the potential to transform the film industry, particularly for filmmakers who struggle to monetise their work and reach wider audiences.
The filmmaker, who is the elder brother of Nollywood actor Gabriel Afolayan and the son of legendary Nigerian theatre and film director Adeyemi Afolayan, popularly known as Ade Love, said his productions are made with both Nigerian and international audiences in mind.
“I never will make a film that I feel only Nigerians will want to see. And then once it’s released, then the journey is over.”
“No. I was consciously making films that would stand the test of time. Films that people will want to see in 20, 30, 40 years to come. So up to now, every film that we’ve done are always coming back to shelf.”
