Renowned Nollywood actress and producer Funke Akindele has issued a firm warning against piracy ahead of the release of her much-anticipated movie, Everybody Loves Jenifa.
In a heartfelt video shared on her Instagram page on Wednesday, the 47-year-old star passionately appealed to her fans, urging them to avoid recording or distributing unauthorized clips of the movie while watching it in cinemas.
Akindele emphasized the detrimental impact of piracy on the livelihoods of filmmakers and actors, stressing that it undermines the hard work and investment that go into creating quality content.
In her message, the award-winning actress revealed that strict security measures have been implemented in cinemas to deter potential violators.
She issued a stern warning that anyone caught recording the movie or posting unauthorized content online would face serious consequences, including arrest and legal action.
This proactive approach reflects her commitment to protecting her intellectual property and ensuring that the movie receives the respect it deserves.
Akindele’s message was clear: piracy is not only a criminal act but also a direct attack on the creative industry.
Addressing her fans, Akindele expressed gratitude for their unwavering support over the years but highlighted the need for them to demonstrate this support in ways that do not involve illegal activities.
She encouraged fans to channel their enthusiasm into positive actions, such as taking pictures with the movie’s standees, sharing official trailers and teasers, and encouraging others to watch the film in cinemas.
By doing so, she explained, fans could help promote the movie in a manner that benefits everyone involved in its production.
In her own words, Akindele passionately said:
“Don’t be scared, I’m fine. But if you go to the cinema to see the movie Everybody Loves Jenifa and you bring out your phone or any device to film it, then I will not be fine. I know you got mad love for me as my fans; 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.”
She reiterated that piracy not only damages her brand but also stifles the growth of the industry.
Akindele further appealed to her fans to avoid uploading any unauthorized content to social media, emphasizing that filming in cinemas constitutes an act of piracy that harms the entertainment industry.
“The act of filming it on the screen is piracy. We must not encourage piracy. We are taking up serious security measures to arrest anyone that does that. I love my fans so much. Don’t be caught doing it because it is killing us. It is not helping our brand. We need to grow more than this. We spent a lot of money on that project Everybody Loves Jenifa,” she said.
The upcoming movie, which promises to be a blockbuster, features a stellar cast, including Omowunmi Dada, Nancy Isime, Falz, Stan Nze, and Jackie Appiah.
With such an impressive lineup of talented actors, Everybody Loves Jenifa is poised to captivate audiences across Nigeria and beyond.
Akindele’s efforts to combat piracy underline her dedication to ensuring that the creative industry continues to thrive and that filmmakers receive the recognition and financial returns they deserve for their hard work.
