Movie Industry: Gabriel Afolayan Calls For Cooperation Among Academic And Non-Academic Practitioners 

Nollywood actor and producer Gabriel Afolayan has called for unity between formally trained filmmakers and those who learned the craft on the job.

The movie star made the post on his Instagram page on Thursday, focusing on the Yoruba movie industry.

Afolayan explained that the industry currently has two types of people: those with academic knowledge and practical experience.

He noted that these two groups have not yet figured out how to work together properly. According to him, both sides are too busy competing to see who is better instead of joining forces.

The actor pointed out that making a successful film involves understanding the audience, managing money, and being creative. He stressed that book knowledge and practical experience are both important.

Afolayan advised that until both groups respect what each other brings to the table, their teamwork will only be on the surface and will not lead to real progress.

He wrote:
"What needs to be understood about the Nigerian movie industry, particularly the Yorùbá genre, is that the fusion of academic and non-academic practitioners has yet to fully grasp the dynamics of the industry. Academic knowledge and practical experience should complement each other, not compete for superiority. The industry operates within a complex interplay of culture, audience expectations, commercial realities, indigenous knowledge and creative innovation. Until both sides appreciate the value and limitations of their respective perspectives, their collaboration may remain superficial rather than transformative."