To Kill A Monkey Was Worth the Risk Says Kemi Adetiba
Filmmaker Kemi Adetiba opens up about the emotional risks behind her bold new movie, *To Kill A Monkey*, calling it her most daring work yet
Award-winning filmmaker Kemi Adetiba has described her latest film, To Kill A Monkey (TKAM), as the boldest and most emotionally risky project she’s ever undertaken.
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In a heartfelt statement shared with her fans online, Adetiba reflected on the deeply personal process that went into making the film, which has already garnered widespread critical acclaim and a powerful response from audiences.
“TKAM is unlike anything I’ve ever done,” she wrote.
“It was a crazy risk to take, but it was a story I strongly felt I needed to tell – no gloss, no theatrics, no grandiose characters to hide behind. Just a raw, human story.”
The film digs into the moral dilemmas and survival instincts that shape human behavior under pressure.
TKAM is unlike anything I’ve ever done. No gloss, no theatrics—just a raw, human story.
Adetiba explores the psychological unraveling of a morally upright person pushed to their breaking point, sparking intense discussions on ethics, desperation, and human fragility.
“Everyone thinks they know what they’d do when faced with a moral crossroad,” she said. “But that answer often comes from a place of comfort and privilege.”
Fans and critics alike have praised To Kill A Monkey for its stark realism, minimalist storytelling, and emotionally rich characters—showcasing a new side to Adetiba, who is widely known for high-energy hits like The Wedding Party and King of Boys.
She credited the film’s success to the public’s willingness to embrace a more grounded narrative:
“You all turned TKAM into a monster hit!! You validated this story. You validated me. And I will never forget this feeling.”
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Adetiba’s bold creative pivot not only solidifies her place as one of Nollywood’s most innovative directors, but also opens the door to deeper, more provocative storytelling in Nigerian cinema.
