Filmmaker and producer Kunle Afolayan has voiced his concerns over Netflix’s decision to halt Nigerian Originals in development. Speaking during a panel discussion at the ongoing Zuma Film Festival in Abuja, Afolayan reflected on his partnerships with Netflix, their approach to content, and the surprising move to scale back investment in Nigerian stories.
Netflix’s decision has dealt a significant blow to Nollywood, which has been striving for global recognition as a hub for authentic African storytelling. For many Nigerian filmmakers, the platform represented an opportunity to bring local narratives to a global audience. Afolayan’s comments echo the concerns of an industry grappling with this setback while navigating the challenges of maintaining creative momentum.
The departure of David Karanja, Netflix’s Executive in Charge of Licensing Originals for Africa, further compounds the uncertainty. Karanja, who oversaw several successful African Originals, recently stepped down, emphasizing optimism for the future of African storytelling in his farewell.
Despite the challenges, Afolayan highlighted the resilience of Nigerian filmmakers, expressing hope that Nollywood will continue to thrive. With growing global interest in African stories, the industry is determined to redefine its narrative and chart its path forward.
