Tunde Kelani slams unauthorised upload of film clips on social media
Veteran Nigerian filmmaker Tunde Kelani has criticized the unauthorized sharing of clips from his films online, labeling it as piracy.
Tunde Kelani, a veteran filmmaker from Nigeria, has publicly condemned the unauthorized distribution of clips from his movies by bloggers and social media users. In a recent Facebook post, he expressed that such actions represent not only piracy but also a blatant disrespect for intellectual property rights. The renowned filmmaker pointed out that films like 'Saworoide', 'Agogo Eewo', and 'Ti Oluwa Nile' are artistic works meant to be appreciated in their entirety, not as piecemeal fragments translated into quick social media snippets intended for profit.
Kelani emphasized that reducing a film to short clips undermines the integrity and completeness of the storytelling process. He expressed frustration at the mindset that views these acts as promotional tools, asserting instead that they contribute to the erosion of cultural heritage and artistic expression. By labeling these practices as "stealing," he highlighted the negative implications for creators whose works can be devalued in major ways.
Furthermore, he called upon content creators and social media influencers to uphold copyright laws, stressing the importance of preserving the sanctity of creative work. The ongoing debate surrounding copyright and piracy in the digital age is crucial for safeguarding intellectual property, and Kelani's stand invites wider discussions on the responsibilities that come with content creation and sharing in the era of social media.