Big blow on Nollywood: Netflix parts ways with Nigerian filmmakers; Kunle Afolayan shares his thoughts(VIDEO)

• After eight transformative years of reshaping the Nigerian entertainment landscape, Netflix has quietly slips out of the Nigerian market, leaving behind an unsettling silence and a trail of unanswered questions.
• Speaking at the 2024 Zuma Film Festival, celebrated filmmaker Kunle Afolayan didn’t shy away from addressing this disheartening turn of events.

Netflix, the global streaming powerhouse that once seemed poised to elevate Nollywood to unprecedented heights, has quietly closed a chapter that began with so much promise.

Launching in 2016, after eight years of collaboration, the platform has exited Nigeria, a decision made in November 2024. While the public remained unaware, major stakeholders in the Nigerian film industry were left to grapple with the harsh reality of the streaming giant’s retreat.

Reports reveal that Netflix discreetly informed its frequent collaborators of its intention to scale back on acquiring Nigerian content.

Renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, a towering figure in Nigerian cinema, confirmed Netflix’s decision while speaking at the 2024 Zuma Film Festival.

In a deeply candid moment, Afolayan revealed that while he was fortunate enough to secure a third season for his critically acclaimed series Anikulapo, many of his colleagues were not as lucky.

Describing the development as a significant blow to the industry, Afolayan, in viral clip, also characterized it as a much-needed wake-up call.

He urged the Nigerian film industry to pivot away from its reliance on external platforms and instead focus on building robust systems that prioritize and sustain indigenous storytelling.

Watch video of Kunle Afolayan speaking about Netflix’s exit below

In other news, the long-standing and bitter feud that once tore the Afolayan brothers, Aremu and Kunle, apart has come to a poignant and emotional end.

Years of tension, bitterness, and public disputes have finally been laid to rest, as the brothers reunited in a powerful display of unity during the funeral rites of their late mother.