In yet another groundbreaking stride, legendary Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has pulled back the curtains on his latest creation — a sleek 115-seater cinema that proudly bears his name: The Kunle Afolayan Cinema.
The announcement came via Afolayan’s Instagram page, where he posted a tour of the brand-new venue alongside bespoke fashion entrepreneur Seyi Vodi, who played a major role in bringing the project to life.
“It shall be called – The Kunle Afolayan Cinema. For the great works he has done in the movie and entertainment industry… Thank you @seyivodi,” Afolayan captioned the video.
The announcement sent a wave of excitement across Nollywood, with stars such as Femi Adebayo, Muyiwa Ademola, Saidi Balogun, and Uzee Usman flooding the comments with heartfelt congratulations — a testament to Afolayan’s towering legacy.
From Silver Screens to Cultural Landscapes
The unveiling of this cinema isn’t just about another movie venue — it’s a glowing extension of Afolayan’s expanding creative empire.
Earlier this year, the filmmaker launched the KAP Film Village & Resort, a sprawling 60-acre cinematic and tourism hub located in Igbojaye, Oyo State. The resort, which already hosts Netflix-backed productions like Aníkúlápó and Ijogbon, seamlessly blends traditional Yoruba aesthetics with modern film infrastructure. With lodges named Ire, Ayanladun, and Adelove, and rustic backdrops ideal for on-location shooting, the village is a tribute to Nigeria’s heritage and cinematic potential.
During the film village launch in April 2025, Governor Seyi Makinde pledged infrastructural support including a new power line and solar mini-grid, signaling the state’s investment in Afolayan’s vision for cultural tourism. “I’m doing this so that the name of this community, my name, and my mother’s name will be remembered,” Afolayan said at the time, reflecting on a journey that began as a dream in 2021.
More Than a Cinema: A Milestone in Nigerian Film Culture
The Kunle Afolayan Cinema is more than a vanity project — it’s a symbol of pride, progress, and purpose in Nigeria’s fast-evolving entertainment landscape.
| Feature | Impact |
|---|---|
| Purpose-Built Venue | Offers a curated space for premieres, screenings, and local productions |
| Brand Reinforcement | Solidifies Afolayan’s name as both an auteur and cultural institution |
| Cultural Continuity | Complements the KAP Film Village in shaping a Yoruba-inspired film ecosystem |
| Nollywood’s Next Phase | Builds on the “New Nigerian Cinema” legacy he helped pioneer with classics like The Figurine and Irapada |
