I Knew Nothing About Filmmaking When I Started - Funke Akindele

Veteran actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has opened up about her long career path, tracing it back to her early days on the set of the famous Jenifa franchise and the lessons that shaped everything that came after.

She shared in a recent interview with Bella Naija that she knew little about filmmaking when she ventured into the industry.

According to her, she had to learn everything she knows about filmmaking on the ground while shooting Jenifa, and that shaped her into the award-winning filmmaker she is today.

"Looking back at the Funke Akindele in Jenifa, I was just young, inexperienced, and self-taught when it comes to film production," she said.

"Things I learnt on set, during I Need To Know, to joining the Yoruba movie genre - all the things I learnt on set is what I used to become who I am today."

The Tribe of Judah star actress said she did not study filmmaking in school but learned writing through Tyler Perry movies.

"I didn't go to school to study film; I just watch films. I actually learned to write from watching Tyler Perry movies and series; that's my role model. I really love him so much; I can't wait to meet him and work with him," she admitted.

Funke Akindele said she is looking forward to working with more filmmakers to widen her scope of knowledge.

"Today, I am here because I keep reinventing myself. I ask myself what the next thing to do is. Don't be too comfortable in a position. I keep collaborating with professionals in the film industry to work with them. I don't believe I know it all. That has helped me over the years. I'm not perfect," she added.