Award-winning actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has reflected on her remarkable rise in Nollywood, revealing that she taught herself filmmaking by watching movies and crediting Hollywood filmmaker Tyler Perry as one of her biggest inspirations.
Speaking in an interview with BellaNaija, Akindele looked back on her early days in the industry, describing herself as an inexperienced storyteller who simply wanted to create meaningful films.
âLooking back at the Funke Akindele in Jenifa, I was just young, inexperienced and self-taught when it comes to film production,â she said.
The box office record-holder explained that she never attended film school, but instead learnt the craft by observing film sets, joining the Yoruba movie industry and studying successful productions.
âI didnât go to school to study film. I just watched films. I actually learnt to write from watching Tyler Perry movies and series. Thatâs my role model. I really love him so much. I canât wait to meet him and work with him,â she revealed.
Akindele said the success she enjoys today is the result of continuous learning and refusing to become complacent.
âStarting in Jenifa, I was just there, simply an underdog that didnât want to be seen. I just wanted to tell good stories. Today I am here because I keep reinventing myself. I ask myself what the next thing to do is. Donât be too comfortable in a position,â she said.
She also credited collaboration and humility for helping her remain relevant over the years.
âI keep collaborating with professionals in the film industry. I donât believe I know it all. That has helped me over the years. Iâm not perfect,â she added.
Akindeleâs candid reflections have resonated with fans online, with many praising her journey from a self-taught actress to one of Nollywoodâs most successful filmmakers and celebrating her commitment to growth, reinvention and lifelong learning.
