Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele said American director Tyler Perry influenced her storytelling style.
Akindele discussed her modest upbringing and stated that there is nothing wrong with picking up knowledge from those you look up to in a post on X.
“I’ve never been ashamed of my humble beginnings, and I never will be. Tyler Perry is one of my role models and I learnt a lot from watching his films, especially when it came to storytelling and writing. There is absolutely nothing wrong with learning from someone you admire. In fact, that’s how many great journeys begin”, she wrote.
According to Akindele, she built on that foundation by attending workshops and gaining experience, which helped her develop her own voice.
ALSO READ: Funke Akindele Reveals Why She Stopped Going to Church
“Over the years, I broadened my knowledge, attended workshops, sharpened my craft through experience, and found my own voice. And I’m still learning because growth never stops,” she added.
The filmmaker added that she is now in a position where upcoming filmmakers cite her work as inspiration.
“Today, many upcoming filmmakers say they’ve learnt from my work, and I’m truly grateful for that. That’s how creativity is passed on. We learn, we grow, and we inspire others,” she said.
Advising creatives, Akindele said, “Never be ashamed of where you started. Keep learning. Keep growing.”
In May, Funke Akindele revealed why she stopped going to church.
In a Snapchat video, the actress revealed that she quit attending church because people would frequently focus more on her than on the service.
The actress stated that she now participates in church services virtually while clarifying that she is always the subject of their photos.
Akindele said “Anytime I go to church, I am always the one they take pictures of. So I will join online.”
In 2022, Akindele openly identified herself with the Celestial Church of Christ.
