Actress and filmmaker Jaiye Kuti has expressed concern over what she described as a growing lack of unity within the Nigerian film industry, saying many practitioners no longer stand by one another during difficult times.
Speaking on the Oyinmomo Podcast, Kuti said actors and filmmakers often experience similar professional challenges but rarely speak out or support colleagues facing the same issues.
According to her, the absence of solidarity has weakened relationships within the industry and made collaboration more difficult.
Kuti also highlighted the financial demands of filmmaking, noting that producing a movie requires significant investment. She said many people fail to appreciate the pressure producers face to recover production costs through cinema screenings and distribution.
The actress added that social media often creates a misleading picture of celebrities’ lives, with audiences seeing only glamorous moments while remaining unaware of the struggles behind the scenes.
Recalling her own experience, Kuti said some cinemas removed her film from their schedules. Although she publicly complained about the decision, she said none of her colleagues came to her support, despite many having faced similar situations.
She said the experience changed her outlook on relationships within the industry and influenced her decision to stop publicly celebrating birthdays.
According to Kuti, she no longer wants birthday messages from people who remain silent when colleagues need genuine support.
“Our relationship is gradually breaking down,” she said, adding that meaningful support during difficult moments is more valuable than public displays of goodwill on celebratory occasions.
