CANEX 2026: Funke Akindele calls for cinemas, studios across Africa

By Damilola Akinwale –

Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has called for the establishment of more cinemas and production studios across Africa, particularly in Nigeria, to strengthen the film industry.

She made the call on Friday while speaking with journalists at the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) 2026, where she highlighted the importance of infrastructure to the growth of the creative industry.

According to the filmmaker, the limited number of cinemas in Nigeria affects the global reach and revenue potential of local productions compared with countries where cinema facilities are more widely available. She said Nigeria’s existing cinema capacity was small relative to its population, adding that more cinemas would significantly increase revenue for filmmakers.

Akindele also stressed the need to create more employment and training opportunities for young African creatives, noting that additional production studios would encourage collaboration and enable local talents to acquire practical skills rather than depend on production facilities abroad.

Speaking about what she hoped the next generation of African creatives would inherit, the actress said efforts should be made to provide better infrastructure and opportunities that were unavailable when she began her career. She noted that such investments would also deliver economic benefits.

The filmmaker, known for her success in Nigerian and international cinemas, urged emerging creatives to draw inspiration from her journey, stressing that talent alone was not enough. She encouraged them to develop confidence and passion for their craft.

Speaking about her filmmaking approach, Akindele said relatable storytelling had helped distinguish her work, explaining that her movies often reflect the everyday experiences of audiences while offering valuable lessons. She cited her December release, Behind the Scenes, as an example, adding that her productions also combine entertainment and intriguing storylines to engage viewers.

Akindele further emphasised the importance of partnerships in Nollywood, citing her collaboration with Facebook on her latest film, The Four. She described the partnership as the first of its kind globally, explaining that the platform’s international reach would help connect her work with audiences across different countries. “I just want them to hear about what I have and see what I’m doing all around the world, and Facebook is the best platform for me,” she said.