Veteran Nigerian filmmaker Tunde Kelani, widely known as TK, has criticised the unauthorised circulation of short clips from his movies, describing the trend as piracy and intellectual property abuse.
In a post on Facebook on Wednesday, Kelani expressed frustration at bloggers and social media users who extract scenes from his films and share them online without permission.
“This is WRONG! Cutting our films — Saworoide, Agogo Eewo, Ti Oluwa Nile, Thunderbolt: Magun — into unauthorised reels and posting them online is not promotion. It is piracy and the destruction of our cultural work,” he wrote.
The filmmaker stressed that films are intended to be experienced as complete works, not fragmented for quick online views or profit.
“A film is a complete story, not fragments for quick views to make quick money illegally. This is stealing openly,” Kelani stated.
He urged digital content creators to respect copyright laws and support filmmakers by using legitimate distribution channels.
“Please stop this practice and wickedness! Support creators by watching and sharing films through the proper channels. Let us protect, not diminish, our heritage. Stop this criminality,” he added.
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Kelani’s warning comes as concerns grow in Nigeria’s creative industry over the widespread reposting of film scenes on platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok, often without approval from rights holders.
Known for his culturally rich films and literary adaptations, Kelani has directed acclaimed works including Koseegbe, Oleku, Thunderbolt: Magun, The Narrow Path, White Handkerchief, Maami, and Dazzling Mirage.