Kunle Remi, renowned for his role in the Netflix series Anikulapo, recently shared his views on what defines a truly cinematic film in an interview with Hiptv News.
Remi argued that not all films labeled as “cinematic” truly deserve that distinction. He pointed out that audiences and filmmakers often confuse TV-quality productions with cinema, without fully grasping the essence of a cinematic experience.
“Not everyone understands what cinema truly is,” Remi said. “That’s why you sometimes see low-budget films being shown in cinemas, even though they don’t meet the standard of being truly cinema-worthy. There’s a clear difference between a cinematic film and a film meant for TV.”
Remi highlighted Kunle Afolayan as an example of a filmmaker who excels in creating cinematic experiences. He noted that Afolayan’s work, such as Anikulapo, is characterized by high-quality production and a strong cinematic style, which might not translate well into TV formats.
“I believe Kunle Afolayan’s films are examples of true cinema,” Remi said. “His attention to detail and quality are what make his projects stand out. If he were to work in TV, he might not perform as well because his focus is on creating cinematic experiences.”
As an actor, Remi often recognizes when a film is rushed and poorly executed. He noted that some films might be labeled as cinema-worthy, but it’s clear to him when they fall short of that standard.
“Sometimes, I laugh when told a film is meant for cinemas because I can tell it was done in a rush,” he shared.
Despite his critical views, Remi emphasized that he is not discouraging emerging filmmakers. He encouraged them to accept constructive criticism and continue learning, while also understanding that comparing their work to Hollywood productions might not always be fair.
“I don’t want to discourage anyone, as it might be a starting point for them,” he concluded. “Don’t be upset by criticism; it’s part of the learning process.”