Funke Akindele warns fans against piracy ahead of new movie release

Abdullateef Fowewe

Nigeria actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has warned fans on social media, against recording videos at cinemas, emphasising that it is a form of piracy that is killing the movie industry.

Akindele stated this ahead of her new movie, “EverybodyLovesJenifa,” set to hit cinemas on December 13th.

The actress in a video she shared via her social media handles on Thursday, emphasised the immense effort and resources she has poured into her new project, stressing that she continues to invest in the film.

She also warned that anyone caught pirating the movie will face arrest.

She could be heard saying in the video, “If you go to see my new movie, ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa,’ and you bring out your phone or any device you have to film, then I won’t be fine.

“I know you got mad love for me as my fan, I know you respect me so much, I know you want to support me, I know you want to promote ‘Everybody loves Jenifa’ but you filming it is not you supporting me.

“Do not upload on your Social media account, don’t bring out your phones. If you want to support me, get to the cinemas, take pictures by the standees, post my trailers and teasers, and I will be fine.

“Because the act of you filming it on the screen is piracy. We must not encourage piracy. We are taking serious security measures to arrest anyone who does that. I love my fans so much, please don’t be caught doing it.”

However, the video caption reads, “Say no to piracy! Recording short videos at the cinemas is piracy! Please stop it! Piracy is killing us!.

“I worked so hard on this project. Please I’m pleading do not be caught promoting piracy!!! A lot of resources were and are still being invested in the movie #Everybodylovesjenifa. Please, do not be caught promoting piracy. Thank you.”