The Nollywood filmmaker shared lessons from her upbringing, career journey and unconventional film promotion strategies during a fireside chat with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo at Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) WKND 2026 in Lagos.
Nigerian actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has reflected on the values that shaped her career, highlighting the importance of discipline, originality and innovation in building a successful creative enterprise.
Speaking during a fireside chat moderated by media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo at Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) WKND 2026 in Lagos, the award-winning filmmaker shared personal experiences from her journey in Nollywood, offering insights into the influence of family, hard work and her willingness to challenge conventional approaches.
Funke Akindele, widely recognised for her portrayal of Jenifa, recalled how her mother’s strict approach to discipline and work shaped her sense of responsibility and determination from an early age. She described the values instilled in her during childhood as an important foundation for navigating the demands of the entertainment industry.
On her creative philosophy, the filmmaker stressed the need to develop original ideas while remaining open to inspiration from others. “I don’t believe in copying, I believe in inspiration,” she said, underscoring the importance of maintaining an individual creative identity.
She also reflected on her approach to promoting films, recalling how she began using digital content to build audience interest in her productions at a time when the strategy was not widely embraced in Nollywood.
“I started doing content to promote my films, and people laughed at me until everyone started using the same thing,” she recalled.
Her experience highlighted the growing importance of digital platforms in film marketing and the need for filmmakers to explore creative ways of reaching audiences beyond the cinema screen.
The conversation also touched on the emotional pressures of her work and the demands of managing creative responsibilities. Funke Akindele further discussed her upcoming film, The Four, reflecting her continued commitment to developing new productions and contributing to Nollywood’s evolving landscape.
For emerging filmmakers and other creatives, her journey offered lessons on the value of discipline, originality and persistence, particularly the importance of staying committed to an idea even when it initially attracts criticism.
The session formed part of CANEX WKND 2026, which provides a platform for established and emerging creative professionals to exchange knowledge, discuss industry challenges and explore opportunities for growth across Africa’s creative economy.
