Following Netflix’s announcement to spend $5m globally on women in entertainment, Nigerian filmmaker, Kemi Adetiba has expressed her support for the initiative.

The television and music video director recalled that when she first started off in the industry years ago, she was constantly hounded with questions surrounding the challenges of being a woman in a “man’s industry.”

“First, I always took the time to correct this notion. The filmmaking industry is not a “man’s industry.” It might be ‘male-dominated’ for now, but certainly not an industry for only men. This is also why I never answer even the revised question.

“I don’t want another potential “Kemi” or a 12-year-old Chioma watching the interview on TV, only to see my highlighted obstacles and limitations in the piece, simply because I am a woman. They would not be encouraged to explore positions of interest within the industry, thinking they don’t stand a chance,” she said.

The film director stated that she has often had cause to wonder why roles played by women does not truly depict the woman’s point of view as she often struggle to place herself in the character’s shoes.

She also noted that more often than not, women were typecast into roles that put them in a box as wife, secretary or damsel in distress.

“The Nigerian film industry has experienced many ‘female firsts’ and it’s thanks to the efforts of incredibly talented women like Mo Abudu, Genevieve Nnaji, Kemi Adetiba, and others who tell local stories with female voices at the core of their production.

“I’d rather speak on and highlight that they do. While it could be better, they have solid representation within the industry. I want them to see that I am HERE, I have a VOICE, and I’m doing my ‘darn thang’ without needing to engage in anything outside my principles. This is why this investment by Netflix couldn’t come at a better time,” she stated.