Veteran filmmaker and cinematographer Tunde Kelani has decried the growing trend of digitally slicing classic Nigerian films into short, unauthorised clips for social media circulation, warning that those who engage in such acts are undermining the very foundation of the country’s cultural heritage.
In a strongly worded statement issued to address the disturbing practice, Kelani expressed outrage over what he described as the “brazen mutilation” of carefully crafted cinematic works for quick monetary gains online.
“This is WRONG!” the revered director declared emphatically.
He specifically condemned the cutting of his iconic films — Saworoide, Agogo Eewo, Ti Oluwa Nile, and Thunderbolt (Magun) — into fragmented reels and uploading them without authorization.
“Cutting our films… into unauthorized reels and posting them online is not promotion. It is piracy and the destruction of our cultural work,” Kelani stated.
According to him, a film represents a complete artistic vision, describing it as a carefully structured narrative designed to be experienced in its entirety.
He added that it is not a collection of random excerpts manipulated for fleeting social media engagement.
“A film is a complete story, not fragments for quick views to make quick money illegally. This is stealing openly,” he added.
Kelani further urged content creators and digital platforms to desist from the practice, stressing that such actions diminish years of intellectual labor, creative sacrifice, and cultural preservation efforts embedded in each production.
“Please stop this practice and wickedness!” he appealed.
He called on audiences to support filmmakers by watching and sharing films through legitimate and approved distribution channels, rather than amplifying pirated snippets that erode value from original works.
“Support creators by watching and sharing films through the proper channels. Let us protect, not diminish, our heritage. Stop this criminality,” the statement said.
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