Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has addressed mixed reactions to the second season of his Netflix series Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre, emphasizing that his films are created for discerning audiences rather than for universal approval.
In a video posted on his verified Instagram account on Tuesday, Afolayan urged critics and viewers to exercise patience before passing judgment, noting that his works are intended for intellectual engagement.
“There’s something very particular about the kind of films we make. We make films for the intellectual, not gbasgbos. We make films for people who can think,” he said, stressing that he does not expect everyone to like or fully understand his films. “But I expect that the people I had in mind when conceiving these ideas will get it, and they did.”
Afolayan revealed that he has received positive feedback from academics, scholars, and deep thinkers, and advised critics to withhold final judgment until viewing the entire series. “It is a series with many episodes. How do you conclude that it is not good when you haven’t even seen everything? We have created new plots,” he explained.
Reflecting on past experiences, Afolayan recalled similar criticism of his earlier works, including Irapada and The Figurine, which initially received skepticism but later achieved international recognition and awards.
He encouraged fellow filmmakers to remain focused on their craft, saying, “As a filmmaker, don’t listen; just keep making your films. For us, we’ll keep appealing to those who have sense, common sense.”
Afolayan reaffirmed his commitment to producing intellectually driven films that prioritize creative storytelling over commercial success, echoing comments he made in January regarding his focus on long-term artistic value rather than box office performance.#newsafro_
