Award-winning filmmaker and producer Funke Akindele has revealed who shaped her approach to storytelling.

Reflecting on her beginning as an actress, she said that American filmmaker Tyler Perry was critical to her success.

In the post on X, she said there was nothing wrong with learning from people you admire.

“I’ve never been ashamed of my humble beginnings, and I never will be. Tyler Perry is one of my role models and I learnt a lot from watching his films, especially when it came to storytelling and writing. There is absolutely nothing wrong with learning from someone you admire. In fact, that’s how many great journeys begin”, she wrote.

According to Akindele, she built on that foundation by attending workshops and gaining experience, which helped her develop her own voice.

“Over the years, I broadened my knowledge, attended workshops, sharpened my craft through experience, and found my own voice. And I’m still learning because growth never stops,” she added.

The filmmaker added that she is now in a position where upcoming filmmakers cite her work as inspiration.

“Today, many upcoming filmmakers say they’ve learnt from my work, and I’m truly grateful for that. That’s how creativity is passed on. We learn, we grow and we inspire others,” she said.

Advising creatives, Akindele said, “Never be ashamed of where you started. Keep learning. Keep growing.”