Producer and director, Kunle Afolayan has reacted to his movie Anikulapo snub by the Oscar selection committee.
The movie centres on a stranger who strikes an illicit affair with one of the King’s young wives, which eventually gets him sentenced to death after the affair was discovered.
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. They would go on to determine they would not enter because a majority of the selection committee voted that all three films were “non-eligible.
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.
The 47-year-old made clear his opinion in an Instagram post via his official handle on Monday.
“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.”
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,” Prolific filmmaker, Tunde Kelani said about the movie.
A certain Twitter user also said “A funny retelling of the popular Netflix movie ANIKULAPO from the POV of Arolake and Saro.”
A funny retelling of the popular Netflix movie ANIKULAPO from the POV of Arolake and Saro
(A short thread 🧵) pic.twitter.com/7gZax0Pdzu
— #NFT Guru (@HommiesDrey) October 3, 2022
Another tweet read “Kunle Afolayan should be considered a national treasure at this point. Storytelling at its best. This would be how I reward myself for jobs well done this week, a good movie.”
Kunle Afolayan should be considered a national treasure at this point. Storytelling at its best. 👏👏👏
This would be how I reward myself for jobs well done this week, a good movie. 🍿#Anikulapo #anikulapothemovie pic.twitter.com/w5REabuwpz
— Joy Ogbeide (@TheJoyOgbeide) September 30, 2022
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,
