Filmmaker Funke Akindele has responded to remarks made by head of operations at Viva Cinemas, Patrick Lee, at an event hosted by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) in her honour.
Speaking at the event last Friday, Lee recalled the impact of Return of Jenifa on cinema audiences and his first meeting with the actress.
“The thing I always remember was when the Return of Jenifa came out. That was my first time meeting Funke. And what was interesting about that film was it actually spoke to the people. I remember people coming to ask, people who normally would not come to cinema asking to see Return of Jenifa. And there was one particular incident we had. We were showing the movie Funke came in. I took her to the hall and I put on the lights, and I could not believe the way the whole hall erupted. We had to stop the movie so everyone could at least pay their respects, talk about it. That was the first time. However, it surprised me that it then took her almost another seven or eight years to come back. But for us in the cinema business, we are grateful that she did. Why? Because she came back at a time when we were struggling, struggling with COVID, struggling with attendances. And Funke came in and started showing movies again in December. And that crowd that had come for Return of Jenifa returned, and it then went. She came at a time when cinema attendances were at an all-time low, and she boosted our figures. Today, she has not only the highest-grossing, but also the highest-attended movie in terms of cinema tickets in Nigeria. So for us in the business, we appreciate her. So thank you. We appreciate you, and we hope you will continue your good work. We are there to give you the platform to continue to do it. Nigeria needs more stories that you have to tell. Thank you.”
Reacting on Instagram on Wednesday, Funke reflected on her journey.
“My journey didn’t start in a day. There were quiet moments of learning, stretching, doubting, praying, and going back to the drawing board choosing to Restrategise, Reevaluate, Re-execute. Step by step, that process led to the accomplishment of BEHIND THE SCENES.
“Thank you, Mr. Patrick Lee. I’m truly honored and sincerely grateful. 🙏🏾
“I will keep telling our African stories with passion, excellence, and authenticity as this is my path, this is my journey, and our stories deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated on the world stage. Thank you FANmily”
Funke Akindele is widely known for her Jenifa franchise and box-office successes, including Omo Ghetto The Saga, Battle on Buka Street and A Tribe Called Judah. Her recent works continue to draw large audiences to cinemas across Nigeria.
