Kunle Afolayan has revealed that he once directed a movie despite not understanding its storyline.

The filmmaker shared the surprising experience at the third edition of Kunle Afolayan Productions (KAP) Film & Television Academy’s Reel Circle, an initiative for film enthusiasts to learn from industry experts.

Afolayan, who identifies as a narrative director, said the film, an installation project, was unfamiliar territory for him.

The 50-year-old award-winning producer said despite his reservations, the person who referred him for the job — with a significant payment of $40,000 — convinced him not to back out.

Afolayan said he attempted to clarify the script with the producer and sought input from others but still struggled to grasp the plot.

He said he decided to focus on other aspects of the film, such as utilizing natural light in the museum where they filmed.

Afolayan admitted that he remains unclear about the film’s meaning even after completing the project.

Although he did not mention the title, the producer said he was flown business class to five countries for the film’s premiere in 2007.

“I was asked to direct something I know nothing about. I tried to like bail out but somehow I was convinced that I could do it. But I knew, I did not know what I was going to do. I did not understand the story. It is an installation film, even at the time I didn’t know what installation film was,” he said.

“Before I agreed to it, I read the script, I did not understand it. I called someone Biodun Aleja, may his soul rest in peace, he read it and said ‘this is crazy’ and then a few other people. I spoke to the person who introduced me to the project that ‘can I meet with the producer? Maybe if she shares her vision, I would get it’.

“Then he flew me to London and we sat for like two hours and she was talking. She showed me her showreel and I knew there was a problem because the showreel did not make sense. It was a complete abstract installation, people just doing weird things and I am a narrative director. Then I called the link and said ‘I am not doing this, I would not even know what to say’.

“But he was like they are paying you $40,000, you have to do it. I said okay but I was like let us do an adaptation of a scene but even with it I did not know what to adapt. But because Biodun Aleja was there, he studied Performing Arts, so his literature is stronger. I was like look, we have to find a way. They are flying us to Miami and Chicago, we cannot turn that down.

“They did this and we went, we filmed in like the oldest museum. I was the director and there were five trucks of equipments. It’s like someone throwing you into the ocean and asking you to start swimming. I am like I am the director, so I have to use that power. But then I have always wanted to shoot in a space where they have large windows, where I can have a ray of light.

“So I was focusing on other things, I did not understand the story. Up till now, after we shot the film, if I watch it again, I am like what was the story? There was no story but guess what? They flew me to five countries to premiere the film and they were flying me in business class since 2007.”

The academy also entered a partnership with the United States embassy in Nigeria to train aspiring filmmakers.

Ashmusy, the Nigerian content creator, has again dismissed claims of a romance with Dino Melaye, the former Kogi West senator.

The rumours of an affair with Melaye first surfaced last year when blogger Gistlover alleged that the politician had a threesome with Ashmusy and Nons Miraj, the content creator.

Melaye, however, denied the claim and threatened to sue Gistlover.

Ashmusy also denied the rumours, describing how “hurtful and frustrating” it is when her hard work is overshadowed and credited to a man.

In a recent interview on #WithChude, Ashmusy maintained that she and Melaye are merely friends and that any allegations of a romance are baseless.

The skit maker also said it was painful that people believed the rumours. She also stressed that she “can’t relate to dating a politician or doing runs.”

“If me and Dino were friends, it would have made sense. It was too painful; a lot of people believed it,” she said.

“That period, when people see me, they go ‘Dino baby.’ I totally can’t relate to dating a politician or doing runs.”

In March 2022, Ashmusy, born Amarachi Amusi, acquired a luxury home.

The 29-year-old skit maker became an internet sensation after sharing a viral video on social media.

Apart from making skits, she is an actress, brand influencer, and social media content creator.

A Nigerian doctor, Fola David-Tolaram, has transformed his passion for art into a groundbreaking achievement, setting a Guinness World Record for creating the world’s largest drawing by an individual.

His artwork, which spans an impressive 1,004.7 m² (10,814.5 ft²), was crafted on the pitch at Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos and celebrates Nigeria’s diverse culture.

David-Tolaram, 31, described his work as “a map of Nigeria showing the various cultures,” explaining, “The Nigerian country is a multi-cultural nation. I wanted to create something that speaks to that and give people an avenue to celebrate their cultures.”

Entitled The Unity of Diversity, the piece reflects his experience traveling across Nigeria to immerse himself in the distinct cultural elements that inspired the artwork.

Using a 1,360 m² canvas and waterproof markers, the Lagos-based doctor, who has practiced art professionally for a decade, took two days just to assemble the canvas large enough for his vision.

Beginning from the center, David-Tolaram originally planned to work outward in a circular motion but adjusted his technique as he progressed.

The challenging project, completed over six days, drew enthusiastic spectators who filled the 5,000-seat stadium to watch and cheer him on, creating an “electrifying” atmosphere.

Reflecting on the experience, he shared, “I remember standing right in the center of this canvas, about to start this drawing, and feeling a lot of apprehension and fear… But once I got going, I knew I could do it.”

David-Tolaram described the significance of achieving a Guinness World Records title as “absolutely unbelievable,” noting, “I grew up reading about world records and I never thought that I would be a record title holder. I feel very honored, I feel distinguished, and I feel Officially Amazing.”