Producer and director, Kunle Afolayan has reacted to his movie ‘Anikulapo’ snub by the NOSC’s (Nigerian Official Selection Committee)
The award-winning filmmaker gave his reaction in an Instagram post via his official handle on Monday.
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“I am so pleased and delighted that the whole world has decided to tag Amikulapo film a masterpiece even though the Nigerian selection committee thinks it’s not worth submitting to the Oscars,” a disappointed Afoloyan wrote.
“Will keep making and doing my thing,” the 47-year-old filmmaker added.
The Kunle Afolayan Production ‘Anikulapo’ is set in the 17th-century pre-colonial era of the old Oyo Empire. It follows the story of a sojourner who finds his way to Oyo in search of greener pastures, where he finds favour and things begin to change for good. Unfortunately, he found love in a forbidden place, longed for the abominable, and eventually got caught in the web of lust.
Last month, Nigeria’s Oscar Selection Committee announced they had received three Yoruba-language submissions: ‘Aníkúlápó’, ‘Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman’ and ‘King of Thieves: Agesinkole’.
The committee would go on to determine they would not enter because a majority of the selection committee voted that all three films were “non-eligible.
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Afolayan had partnered with Netflix, and the movie was produced and shot by Jonathan Kovel at the recently launched KAP resort in a village in Oyo State.
In spite of the rejection, Anikulapo has received positive reviews from the audience and critics alike.
“Anikulapo is not just any other movie but one that will leave a lasting impression on its audience,” Tunde Kelani said about the movie.
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The movie also boasts of a strong powerhouse of actors comprised of Sola Sobowale, Bimbo Ademoye, Kunle Remi, Hakeem Kae Kazeem, Taiwo Hassan, Aisha Lawal, Moji Afolayan, Adebayo Salami, Eyiyemi Afolayan, Ariyiike Dimples, Omo Ologede, Yemi Elebuibon,
Snub indeed