Renowned filmmaker Niyi Akinmolayan has issued a strong warning to young and upcoming filmmakers, urging them not to be misled by the narrative that high budgets are unnecessary for commercial success.

In a post on his Instagram page on Wednesday, he pointed out that the top 20 highest-grossing films all had substantial budgets.

Akinmolayan advised that while a good story is important, money is equally essential to survive in the industry. He cautioned against being gaslighted into thinking otherwise, insisting that financial investment is a key component of success in Nollywood.

He wrote:
“You are gaslighting young and new filmmakers into thinking that they don’t need high budgets to make commercially successful films. Meanwhile the top 20 highest grossing films all had high budgets.”

“Nollywood!! If you are in this for the business, Don’t let anyone tell you all you need is a good story o. You will need money as well if you want to survive the space… and lots of it.”