Nigerian filmmaker Funke Akindele has issued a stern warning to pirates ahead of the release of her highly anticipated movie, “Everybody Loves Jenifa”.
The movie, which is part of the popular Jenifa franchise, is set to hit Nigerian cinemas on December 13.
In a recent Instagram post, Akindele appealed to her fans to resist the temptation of recording the movie while watching it in cinemas. She emphasized that piracy is a serious offense that affects the livelihoods of filmmakers and actors.
The actress warned that stringent security measures will be put in place to ensure compliance from cinemagoers, adding that “pirates will be arrested”. She also urged fans to support her by taking pictures at the standees, posting the trailers and teasers, and encouraging others to watch the movie in cinemas.
Akindele explained that piracy has a significant impact on the film industry, stating that “it is affecting us. We need to grow more than this. We spent a lot of money on that project ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’.”
The movie features an ensemble cast, including Layi Wasabi, Nancy Isime, Jackie Appiah, Falz, Omowunmi Dada, Chimezie Imo, Patience Ozokwor, and Stan Nze. “Everybody Loves Jenifa” will premiere in 30 countries across six continents from December 20 to January 17.
