Filmmaker and founder of KAP Film and Television Academy, Kunle Afolayan, has said his approach to filmmaking is driven more by a desire to create lasting legacy than by immediate commercial success.

In an interview with Sunday Scoop, Afolayan said he wants his films to remain relevant and continue generating conversations long after their release.

According to him, the continued relevance of works such as The Figurine and October 1, years after they came out, is proof of his commitment to creating films with lasting value.

"You have to just stay true to yourself. For me, it's not just about commerce or commercial. I don't do my things for, no, I do things for posterity, for legacy. You know, after you're gone, what will people say about your works? Why are people still referencing The Figurine today, October 1, even after they were made over 10 years, almost 20 years ago? Why? So it's because there's something special about them," he said.

His comments come amid ongoing discussions about the evolving business model of the Nigerian film industry, as filmmakers increasingly navigate the balance between creative ambition and commercial demands, including those shaped by digital distribution.

Afolayan also addressed his use of YouTube, clarifying that while some of his films are available on the platform, he does not believe it offers the same opportunities as major streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video.

"My films are there now. We have KAPStream on YouTube, The Figurine, October 1, all those my films, CEO, they're there. So we're all on YouTube," he said.

He noted that he could not criticise the platform given his own active use of it. "I have a channel. So it is impossible for me to condemn something that I'm part of. Even my father's films are there," he said.

Still, he maintained that YouTube falls short of what major streaming platforms can offer. "I'm just saying YouTube will never give you what Netflix and Prime will give you. That's all," he added.

ID