Award-winning Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has revealed that she never attended film school, saying she taught herself filmmaking by watching movies and studying the works of American filmmaker Tyler Perry.
Speaking in an interview with BellaNaija, Akindele said her passion for storytelling and her willingness to keep learning have been the driving forces behind her remarkable career.
“I didn’t go to school to study film. I just watch films. I actually learnt 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.”
Reflecting on her early days in the industry, the actress admitted that she was inexperienced during the production of the original *Jenifa*, relying largely on practical knowledge she gained while working on different film sets.
“Looking back at the Funke Akindele in *Jenifa*, I was just young, inexperienced and self taught when it comes to film production. Things I learnt on the set of *I Need to Know*, and later in the Yoruba movie industry, are what made me who I am today.”
Akindele said she never set out to become a superstar, explaining that her only goal was to tell compelling stories.
“Starting *Jenifa*, I was just there, simply an underdog that didn’t want to be seen. I just wanted to tell good stories.”
The filmmaker also credited her longevity in Nollywood to her determination to keep evolving rather than becoming comfortable with past achievements.
“Today I am here because I keep reinventing myself. I always ask myself what the next thing to do is. Don’t be too comfortable in a position.”
She added that collaborating with experienced professionals and remaining open to learning have been key to her continued success.
“I keep collaborating with professionals in the film industry. I don’t believe I know it all. That has helped me over the years. I’m not perfect.”
Funke Akindele’s journey from a self-taught filmmaker to one of Africa’s most successful movie producers continues to inspire aspiring creatives, proving that passion, humility and a commitment to continuous learning can be just as valuable as formal training.