ACTOR, Kunle Remi, best known for his role in the Netflix hit series Anikulapo, has voiced his concerns about the current state of films being released in cinemas.
According to the actor, there’s a growing confusion between what qualifies as a TV film and what is truly cinema-worthy—a distinction that, when misunderstood, diminishes the cinematic experience for audiences.
In an interview monitored by R on Friday morning, the actor opined that “Not everybody understands what cinema is,” Remi stated.
“A lot of people don’t even grasp the basics, which is why we see low-budget films pushed into cinemas when they’re clearly not up to the mark. And when you point this out, people get defensive. There’s a clear difference between a cinematic film and something made for TV.”
In the interview, Remi highlighted the work of Kunle Afolayan, the acclaimed director of Anikulapo, as an example of a filmmaker who understands what it takes to create cinema. “Kunle Afolayan, for instance, is a cinema director. If you examine the quality of his projects, the style, and the effort involved, it’s clear they belong on the big screen. But put him in a TV setting, and he might not perform as well because he’s honed his craft for cinema.”
Remi, who has starred in a variety of film projects, shared that his experience allows him to spot a film that’s been rushed or poorly executed.
“As an actor, I can tell when a film has been thrown together too quickly. Some of these films get labeled as cinema-worthy, but it’s clear they fall short. I’ve been on sets where they tell me it’s a cinema release, and I can’t help but laugh. I’m not supposed to, but it’s honestly amusing.”
Despite his critiques, Remi isn’t looking to discourage emerging filmmakers. He acknowledged that every filmmaker has to start somewhere and encourages them to view criticism as a part of their growth.
“I’m not here to discourage anyone because for some, it’s just the beginning. But don’t get upset if audiences or critics have opinions on your work. You can’t compare it to a Hollywood production just yet, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get there eventually.”
Kunle Remi first captured the public’s attention when he won the 7th edition of Gulder Ultimate Search in 2010.
Since then, he has built a diverse acting career, appearing in films like Ijakumo, Falling, A Naija Christmas, Introducing the Kujus, and The Prophetess.
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