Award-winning Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has opened up about the major influence American filmmaker Tyler Perry had on her career, revealing that he played a key role in shaping her storytelling style.
Sharing her thoughts, Akindele said she has never been embarrassed by her humble beginnings, stressing that learning from people you admire is an important part of growth.
She explained that watching Tyler Perry’s films taught her valuable lessons about storytelling and scriptwriting, adding that every successful journey often starts with inspiration.
The actress said she didn’t stop at admiration alone. She invested in herself by attending workshops, gaining practical experience, and continuously improving her craft until she discovered her own unique voice as a filmmaker.
According to her, the learning process is still ongoing because personal and professional growth never truly ends.
Akindele also expressed gratitude that many aspiring filmmakers now look up to her work for inspiration, describing it as a beautiful cycle where creativity is passed from one generation to another.
Encouraging young creatives, she urged them never to feel ashamed of where they started. Instead, she advised them to keep learning, developing their skills, and believing in their journey.
