Funke Akindele Recalls How Not Getting Roles in English Language Films Frustrated Her
Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele recently opened up about the challenges she faced early in her career and how she taught herself the ropes of movie production. In an interview with Arise News, Akindele, who has made her mark in both English and Yoruba films, shared the pivotal moments that shaped her journey.
Akindele revealed that her initial struggle to land roles in English-language films left her frustrated. Her career took a turn when she collaborated with actress Ayo Adesanya. “When I didn’t get roles in English, I got frustrated. I was on a project with Ayo Adesanya and told her about my struggle. She spoke to a producer, and I was invited to act in Oshogbo,” she recounted.
During her time in Oshogbo, Akindele met key figures in the Yoruba film industry, including Fathia Balogun and Iyabo Ojo. “I told them I needed roles. Iyabo took me to meet Yinka Quadri and Taiwo Hassan. She said, ‘This is my friend. Give her a job,'” Akindele shared.
Despite these connections, Akindele wasn’t immediately given significant roles. Instead, she used this period to learn the intricacies of filmmaking. “They didn’t give me the big role. I actually launched myself with my own production. I wrote it, I produced it. But I learned a lot from the Yoruba movie genre. I was always focused on the cameras, checking the props, and asking questions,” she explained.
Akindele’s self-taught journey and determination have paid off, establishing her as a prominent figure in Nollywood. Her experience highlights the importance of perseverance and learning in the face of challenges.
See the interview below: