Renowned filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele is taking a bold stand against piracy as she gears up for the December 13 release of her highly anticipated movie, Everybody Loves Jenifa. With a box office target of ₦5 billion, Akindele is rallying the Nigerian cinema industry and audiences to join her in protecting the integrity of the film from potential revenue loss caused by illegal recordings.

Speaking at an Exhibitor Soirée at Film House Cinemas on November 20, Akindele underscored the devastating impact piracy had on her previous project, A Tribe Called Judah, which suffered significant revenue losses due to unauthorized leaks.

“Last year, we faced a huge challenge with piracy. A Tribe Called Judah was leaked online, and it cost us millions in ticket sales. This year, I’m appealing to everyone—cinema staff, filmgoers, and even fellow filmmakers—to stay vigilant. Piracy doesn’t just hurt filmmakers; it undermines the entire industry,” Akindele said passionately.

She urged cinema audiences to refrain from using mobile devices during screenings, a common practice that has fueled unauthorized distribution of films. “It’s not just about me or my team. This is about protecting Nigerian cinema and ensuring our hard work is rewarded,” she added.

Akindele’s aim to hit the ₦5 billion milestone comes as no surprise. Known for her blockbuster successes, the Jenifa star has cemented her reputation as Nigeria’s “Box Office Queen.” With Everybody Loves Jenifa, she’s betting on an impressive cast lineup, including Folarin “Falz” Falana, Jackie Appiah, Nancy Isime, and Patience Ozokwor, to drive the film’s appeal.

The movie promises a mix of humor, drama, and stellar performances, bringing Akindele back in her iconic role as Jenifa, alongside fan-favorite characters like Sege (Falz).

As Akindele rallies stakeholders against piracy, her efforts highlight a larger issue in the Nigerian entertainment industry: the urgent need for stronger anti-piracy measures. While digital platforms have expanded the reach of Nollywood films, they have also created vulnerabilities for unauthorized sharing.

“Imagine the possibilities if piracy wasn’t an issue. We could grow the industry tenfold, create more jobs, and invest in even bigger projects,” Akindele said.

Industry insiders are hopeful that Akindele’s campaign will spark a broader conversation about protecting intellectual property in Nigerian cinema. With her leadership and the support of fans, Everybody Loves Jenifa could set a new benchmark—not just in box office earnings but in fostering a culture of accountability and respect for creative work.

Everybody Loves Jenifa opens in cinemas nationwide on December 13, 2024. Fans are already marking their calendars, not just for the laughs but also to stand in solidarity with one of Nollywood’s most celebrated stars.