Nollywood has been left in a state of disarray as a result of reports that the streaming giant, Netflix intends to cease operations in the country.
Film director, Kunle Afolayan revealed at the 2024 Zuma International Film Festival, holding in Abuja, that Netflix’s executives told several filmmakers that they will no longer support Nigerian productions.
The platform’s investments in original Nigerian content, such as King of Boys, Anikulapo, and Blood Sisters, have elevated Nollywood’s global standing.
The filmmaker expressed his dissatisfaction over the move, stating that the development will have a significant impact on the income of producers who invest in filmmaking.
He also urged filmmakers to continue producing high-quality content, regardless of the challenges posed by Netflix, adding that “they invited our filmmakers to a party. But before then, they had spoken to people they had been dealing with, saying look, we are pulling out.
“What you might call a fatal last supper. Things like that should provoke us because if you do not have challenges like that, you cannot see opportunities. We cannot rely on them anymore.
“Whatever it is you do, if you make a conscious effort to be intentional when it comes to the kind of content that you make, the world will seek you. The world will find you. The work will speak for itself.
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“I think we should continue what we do. Whether it is in English, Ibibio, or any native language. As long as the story has universal appeal and then the production value is highly considered, you will get on several platforms.
“Coming to Netflix. It is heartbreaking. It is a big blow for us. In my head, I have been thinking about how can we go from earning dollars in films to now thinking about where we will put our films.
“Three years ago, when we signed a three-film deal with Netflix. It was like we were given a contract that in the next three years, we really do not care if you work for other people or do other things, make one film for us per year on being creative because these things are guaranteed and you have funds to make them. The budget you are being given is primarily tied to what they are getting in Nigeria.
“Thank God, we have shot seasons two and three of Anikulapo. Because all the other people who were commissioned at the same time as us, their projects were cancelled.”
