Ghanaian actor and filmmaker Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as LilWin, has come to the defense of bloggers covering his upcoming movie A Journey to Africa. The bloggers had been criticized for sharing behind-the-scenes content from the set, with some arguing that it could reduce curiosity and anticipation for the film. LilWin insists that the bloggers are officially invited to promote the production and are not being allowed to record the film's actual scenes.
The controversy emerged after bloggers invited to document the production posted videos and photographs from the set in Nzulezu. Some social media users questioned whether they were revealing actual scenes from the yet-to-be-released film. Critics, including musician Fameye, argued that releasing too much content from the set could reduce curiosity and anticipation for the film. However, LilWin has dismissed those concerns, insisting that the bloggers have been authorised to cover the activities surrounding the production.
According to LilWin, the videos and photos circulating online are promotional content, mainly showing cast members before or after scenes. He warned audiences not to mistake the behind-the-scenes footage for the finished movie. The filmmaker also questioned why an experienced production team would knowingly allow key scenes from a major film to be recorded and released online before the project is completed. He asked if he and his team were unwise to allow bloggers to cover the production.
LilWin explained that the material circulating online should not necessarily be interpreted as footage from the actual film. He said the production team has rules governing what can be recorded on set, particularly while actors are performing scenes for the movie. No phone cameras are allowed to capture the actual scenes being acted, he clarified. The content being shared is largely intended to promote the project and introduce audiences to some of the actors involved.
The production has attracted significant attention because of the involvement of several Nigerian stars, including Nollywood veterans Kanayo O. Kanayo, Patience Ozokwo, and Mike Ezuruonye. Their presence has generated considerable interest online, with behind-the-scenes images and videos from the production frequently circulating on social media. However, the publicity has also divided opinion, with some criticising the volume of content coming from the set.
LilWin pointed to the financial investment involved in producing 'A Journey to Africa', arguing that it would make little sense for the team to give away important parts of the film for free online. He asked if they would simply allow the actual scenes to be put on social media, considering all the expenses that go into making the movie. The filmmaker said the bloggers may film cast members before or after scenes, conduct interviews, and capture moments around the production without recording the actual footage.
LilWin also revealed that he has seen some bloggers being verbally attacked on set over the content they have been publishing online. He said the bloggers are official and have been invited to follow Weezy Empire and cover all the activities of the brand. The filmmaker's response is that the content being shared is deliberately controlled promotional material and does not reveal the key scenes audiences will eventually see when A Journey to Africa is released.
Key points
- LilWin defends bloggers covering his movie set, saying they are officially invited to promote the production.
- The controversy surrounding behind-the-scenes content from the set has divided opinion online.
- LilWin's movie A Journey to Africa features several Nigerian stars and has generated significant interest online.
