Award-winning filmmaker and actor Kunle Afolayan has described KAP Group’s partnership with Netflix as one of the most significant developments in the company’s journey, saying the relationship enabled the production outfit to focus more on filmmaking rather than constantly seeking funding.
Afolayan stated this while speaking as a guest on the Ni-dacity Podcast, where he discussed the financial and distribution challenges confronting independent filmmakers seeking to produce and distribute films to audiences around the world.
According to the filmmaker, the partnership with Netflix gave KAP Group greater opportunity to concentrate on content production after years of dealing with funding challenges.
He said the dream of an average independent filmmaker was to have their films seen, adding that streaming platforms could help address both financing and distribution challenges by providing production funding and access to global audiences.
Afolayan specifically cited his film Anikulapo, saying Netflix’s support contributed significantly to the film’s success. He noted that without the platform’s backing, the movie would not have achieved the level of visibility it eventually gained.
The filmmaker called for more opportunities of such partnerships, stressing that digital streaming platforms have the potential to transform the film industry, particularly by helping filmmakers monetise their productions and reach wider audiences.
Afolayan, who studied Economics at the University of Lagos and worked in banking for several years before pursuing filmmaking, said his productions are deliberately created with both Nigerian and international audiences in mind.
He explained that he does not make films solely for immediate local consumption, but aims to produce works capable of remaining relevant and attracting audiences decades after their release.
The filmmaker, who is the elder brother of actor Gabriel Afolayan and son of late Nigerian theatre and film director Adeyemi Afolayan, popularly known as Ade Love, said his focus is on creating films that can stand the test of time and continue to return to audiences long after their initial release.
