By Olaitan Ibrahim
Award-winning actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, is speaking out against the growing threat of piracy in the Nigerian film industry, which she says is undermining hard work and investments in the sector.
With her highly anticipated movie ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’ set for release in cinemas on December 13th, Akindele took to social media to urge her fans to help protect the industry by refusing to engage in piracy.
She specifically called attention to the act of recording videos at cinemas, which she deems as a form of piracy that contributes to the industry’s decline.
“I worked so hard on this project and invested significant resources. Piracy is killing us!” Akindele wrote in a passionate plea to her followers. “Please stop recording videos at the cinemas. It’s piracy! I’m begging you, do not promote it. A lot of resources were, and still are, being invested in Everybody Loves Jenifa.”
The actress also issued a strong warning, stating that anyone caught filming or engaging in piracy will face legal consequences. “Anyone caught filming will be arrested,” she emphasized.