Renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has dismissed speculation of a rivalry between himself and fellow actor-director Ibrahim Chatta, stressing that both creatives are united by a common mission to promote Nigerian culture and heritage.
Afolayan made the clarification while speaking at the watch party of “Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens”, where he described the relationship between them as collaborative rather than competitive.
“There is no competition between us,” Afolayan said. “We are both doing everything possible to uplift the glory of all — not just our ancestors, but our lineage and where we are from, right from the root.”
Highlighting Chatta’s contributions to cultural preservation, Afolayan referenced Afri Chatta Resorts and Film Studio in Oyo State, encouraging Nigerians to visit the facility.
“There’s Afri Chatta in Oyo. If you haven’t been there, you should go. Many of the films you’ve seen, like Ageshinkole, were shot at Afri Chatta Resorts and Film Studio,” he noted.
He further emphasised that their creative paths are different, adding that the much-talked-about rivalry exists only in public perception.
“There is no competition. We are not even doing the same thing. And this is the first time he is going to come here. Even though I’ve invited him several times, I’m guilty too,” Afolayan added.
The award-winning filmmaker also reiterated his stance on cinema projects, explaining that financial figures alone do not influence his decisions.
“I don’t want N2 billion or N1 billion in cinema if I wouldn’t be able to take N10 million,” he said, underscoring his preference for quality and fair returns over box office numbers.
The watch party, held at Igbojaye, Oyo State, drew several Nollywood stars, including Kiekie, Broda Shaggi, and Gabriel Afolayan, marking a celebration of storytelling rooted in African history and culture.