Filmmaker Funke Akindele has opened up about the inspiration behind her upcoming film Behind The Scenes.
The 48-year-old, while addressing the audience at the event, during the movie’s premiere held on Sunday at IMAX Cinema, Lekki, expressed gratitude for the turnout.
“Good evening, everybody. Thank you so much for coming out to celebrate with us tonight. Thank you for showing up. May God continue to bless you all.”
Funke spoke about the challenges of filmmaking and the passion that keeps her going.
“I’ve been doing this on and on again, and honestly, it has not been easy. It can be very exhausting. There are days I ask myself, ‘Why are you doing this?’ But the passion drives me. The purpose to tell African stories. Stories that impact lives, stories people can relate to. That passion, that purpose, keeps pushing me. I don’t regret it. Thank you so much once again for coming out tonight.”
Explaining the film’s title, she said many had questioned what Behind The Scenes truly meant.
“So, tonight we are watching Behind the Scenes. When I first announced the title, a lot of people asked, ‘Is it about a movie? But the announcement video was a runway show… what exactly is Behind the Scenes? Why that title?’
“Well, a lot happened tonight behind the scenes—before we all even left our homes. Am I right? Yet you’re still here, smiling.
“It’s time for us to be conscious. It’s time to wake up. It’s time to love ourselves. You come first. And that is why this film is titled Behind the Scenes.
“So please, sit back and enjoy this movie—one that comes from deep within me, created to impact your lives.
“Thank you so much.”
The premiere was attended by Uche Montana, Iyabo Ojo, Tope Alabi, Peller, Kola, Imisi, Timini Egbuson, Timi Agbaje and others.
The movie stars Tobi Bakre, Scarlet Gomez, Ini Dima-Okojie, Iyabo Ojo, Destiny Etiko, Uzor Arukwe, Uche Montana, Ibrahim Chatta and several rising talents. Funke, who co-directed the project with Tunde Olaoye, does not play the lead role in the film as part of her ongoing effort to spotlight new Nollywood faces.
The UK premiere is scheduled to hold at Odeon Greenwich on December 4. The film will then open in Nigerian cinemas on December 12, with global distribution handled by FilmOne Entertainment.
Funke, known for blockbusters A Tribe Called Judah and Battle on Buka Street, continues her tradition of releasing major December titles expected to attract large cinema audiences both locally and internationally.
