Kunle Remi Shares His Views on What Makes a Film Fit for the Big Screen
Kunle Remi, a well-known actor particularly recognized for his role in the Netflix series Anikulapo, recently offered insights on what makes a film truly deserving of the cinema label.
In an interview with Hiptv News, Remi expressed that not every movie labeled as cinematic is genuinely worthy of the big screen.
He pointed out that both audiences and filmmakers often mistake TV-quality productions for cinematic ones, failing to grasp the essential elements that define a true cinematic experience.
“Not everyone understands what cinema really is. I don’t believe many people fully comprehend it, which is why low-budget films sometimes end up in cinemas even though they aren’t cinema-worthy. And then, you have people criticizing them. There’s a clear distinction between a cinematic film and one made for TV,” he explained.
During the interview, Remi also highlighted the work of Kunle Afolayan, the director of Anikulapo, noting that Afolayan’s films possess a strong cinematic value. He added that Afolayan might not excel as a TV director because his focus and training are geared toward creating cinema-quality films.
“Once Nigerians and filmmakers understand this, we won’t be having these discussions. Take Kunle Afolayan, for instance; his work exemplifies cinema. The quality, style, and effort he puts in are all geared toward creating a cinematic experience. If he were to direct TV films, they might not meet the same standards because his expertise is in cinema,” Remi added.
As an actor, Remi shared that he can often detect when a film has been rushed or poorly executed. He noted that while some filmmakers might claim their work is cinema-worthy, he can easily tell when it doesn’t measure up.
“TV films are typically made for cable or online platforms, and you can often tell they were shot in just a few days. As an actor, I can sense it. Sometimes, I’m working on a film, and they tell me it’s for the cinemas, and I can’t help but laugh. It’s not supposed to be funny, but it is,” he remarked.
However, he made it clear that he is not trying to discourage up-and-coming filmmakers who are still honing their craft. Instead, he urged them not to take criticism personally.
“I wouldn’t discourage anyone because it could be a stepping stone for some. Don’t get upset if people criticize your work or if movie lovers share their opinions. You can’t compare your film to a Hollywood production,” he concluded.
Kunle Remi first gained fame after winning the 7th edition of Gulder Ultimate Search in 2010, which opened the door to his acting career. He has since appeared in several films, including Ijakumo, Falling, A Naija Christmas, Introducing the Kujus, and The Prophetess.
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