Funke Akindele Reveals How Tyler Perry Inspired Her Journey To Becoming A Top Filmmaker

Award-winning Nollywood actress, producer, and filmmaker Funke Akindele has opened up about her inspiring journey in the Nigerian film industry, revealing that she taught herself the art of filmmaking by watching movies and studying the works of renowned Hollywood filmmaker Tyler Perry.

In a recent interview with BellaNaija, the box office record-holder reflected on her humble beginnings, describing herself as a young and inexperienced storyteller who was determined to create meaningful and entertaining films despite having no formal training in film production.

Akindele explained that she never attended a film school to learn directing, screenwriting, or production. Instead, she developed her skills through self-learning, observing movie sets, and gaining practical experience in the Yoruba movie industry.

Looking back on the early days of her career, particularly during the production of the popular Jenifa series, the actress said she was simply focused on telling authentic stories that audiences could connect with.

“I was young, inexperienced and self-taught when it came to film production,” she recalled, noting that passion and determination kept her moving forward despite the challenges she faced.

The celebrated filmmaker disclosed that Tyler Perry played a significant role in shaping her creative approach. According to her, watching his films and television series helped her understand storytelling, scriptwriting, and film production techniques.

“I didn’t go to school to study film. I just watched films. I actually learnt to write from watching Tyler Perry movies and series. That’s my role model. I really love him so much. I can’t wait to meet him and work with him,” she said.

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Akindele noted that her continued success is rooted in her willingness to keep learning and adapting to the ever-changing entertainment industry. She stressed that she constantly challenges herself to improve rather than becoming satisfied with past achievements.

She explained that reinvention has been one of the key factors behind her longevity in Nollywood, encouraging aspiring creatives never to become complacent.

The actress also highlighted the importance of teamwork, humility, and collaboration in her career. Rather than believing she has mastered every aspect of filmmaking, she regularly works with other professionals to improve the quality of her productions.

“I keep collaborating with professionals in the film industry. I don’t believe I know it all. That has helped me over the years. I’m not perfect,” she added.

Akindele’s story has resonated with fans and aspiring filmmakers, many of whom have praised her dedication, resilience, and commitment to lifelong learning. Her journey from a self-taught actress to one of Nollywood’s most successful filmmakers continues to inspire a new generation of creatives across Africa.