Ghanaian actress Fella Makafui has opened up about how she secured a major role in the Netflix film ANIKULAPO: A Ghoul Awakens, describing the experience as both surreal and fulfilling.
According to Fella, the opportunity began with an unexpected phone call from renowned Ghanaian film producer Juliet Asante, who played a key role in pushing for Ghanaian representation in the project.
“She said, ‘I’m pushing for Ghana to be part of ANIKULAPO, and I believe you can absolutely kill this role,’” Fella revealed in a social media post.
She continued that; “At first, I honestly thought I was dreaming.”
The actress further disclosed that working with celebrated Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan had been a long-standing ambition.
“Working with Kunle Afolayan had always been a dream,” she said, adding humorously, “I even sent him a DM years ago, which he obviously didn’t see.”
That dream soon became reality when she finally spoke with the director. However, the role came with a significant challenge.
According to Fella, Afolayan informed her that she would be required to speak Yoruba, a language she had never spoken before.
“When he told me, ‘You’ll be speaking Yoruba,’ I said, ‘Yes sir, I can do it,’” she recounted. “We got a coach, and I started lessons. The language was hard, but I wanted this challenge.”
Fella praised the production team and fellow cast members for their warmth and encouragement throughout the filming process.
“Everyone was so welcoming. I honestly didn’t even want to leave after shooting,” she said.
Expressing gratitude, the actress thanked Juliet Asante for believing in her abilities and giving her the platform to shine on an international stage.
“It is truly an honor to be part of this masterpiece,” Fella added.
