Nollywood filmmaker Biodun Stephen has rejected suggestions that romantic scenes in movies are responsible for marital problems among actors, saying performers and their spouses understand the demands of the profession before accepting such roles.
Speaking in a video shared on Instagram on Thursday, Stephen responded to criticism from a social media user who argued that filmmakers should reduce kissing scenes because they could negatively affect actors’ marriages.
The producer said she disagreed with the claim, explaining that while intimate scenes are not a major feature of her productions, she is willing to include them when they are necessary to tell a story.
According to Stephen, she intentionally limits romantic scenes in many of her films because she prefers creating content that families can watch together. However, she maintained that storytelling sometimes requires such scenes to make relationships on screen believable.
She noted that actors are expected to portray emotions convincingly, adding that audiences are more likely to connect with a film when the chemistry between characters feels authentic.
Stephen argued that responsibility for handling the impact of romantic scenes rests with the actors and their partners, who are aware of the realities of the profession before entering into it.
She also pointed out that actors are free to set personal boundaries, noting that while some refuse to participate in intimate scenes because of their beliefs, others willingly accept such roles.
The filmmaker said her responsibility as a producer is to ensure actors are treated professionally and protected throughout production, not to manage their personal relationships.
Stephen concluded that no actor is compelled to accept a role, stressing that participation in romantic scenes ultimately remains a personal decision.
