by Peace Akpobome
Renowned filmmaker Funke Akindele has said she would arrest and prosecute anyone who pirates her new movie, “Everybody Loves Jenifa”.
The actor-turned-producer stated this in a video posted on her verified X account as well as TikTok on Wednesday ahead of the cinema release of the movie.
The actress cautioned fans against recording or sharing any part of the film online, stressing that such actions amount to piracy and will attract severe consequences.
The highly anticipated “Everybody Loves Jenifa” was premiered on Sunday and is billed to hit the cinemas on Friday, December 13.
@funkeakindele SAY NO TO PIRACY!!!🚫⛔️🚫🚫🚫❌❌❌❌ Recording short videos at the cinemas is piracy!!! Please stop it!!! Piracy is killing us!! I worked so hard, on this project. Please I’m pleading do not be caught promoting piracy!!! A lot of resources was and is still being invested in the movie #Everybodylovesjenifa . Again, do not be caught encouraging piracy. Thank you.
Funke Akindele said she appreciates the love and support of her fans, adding, however, that filming or uploading clips from the movie undermines the hard work and resources invested in its production.
She urged her followers to promote the film by taking pictures at the cinema, sharing official trailers, and avoiding any form of unauthorised distribution.
She further revealed that strict security measures have been implemented at cinemas to apprehend violators, warning that anyone caught recording the movie or posting unauthorised content on platforms like TikTok would face arrest and legal action.
“Don’t be scared, I’m fine. But if you go to the cinema to see the movie Everybody Loves Jenifa and you bring out your phone or any device you have to film it, then I will not be fine,” Akindele said.
“I know you got mad love for me as my fans; I know you respect me so much; I know you want to support me; I know you want to promote ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’, but you filming it is not you supporting me.
“Do not upload on your social media account. Don’t bring out your phone. No recording. If you want to support me, go to the cinema, take pictures by the stands, post my trailer, the teasers of the movie, and I will be fine.
“The act of filming it on the screen is piracy. We must not encourage piracy. We are taking up serious security measures to arrest anyone that does that. I love my fans so much. Don’t be caught doing it because it is killing us. It is not helping our brand. We need to grow more than this. We spent a lot of money.
“Do not post on TikTok, so you will not be a scapegoat. We will take legal action, and you will be arrested. I beg you in the name of God,” she said.
