Nollywood actor and director Daniel Etim-Effiong has peeled back the curtain on one of the industry’s most talked-about tropes: kissing scenes.
The 37-year-old star made the revelation in a candid appearance on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds over the weekend.
Known for his romantic roles and nuanced performances, Daniel Etim-Effiong explained that the prevalence of on-screen intimacy in Nigerian films is largely driven by audience demand.
"The average Nollywood script says, ‘kiss passionately’ or ‘hug,’ and they do it on purpose because that’s what they’re selling. It’s demand and supply," he said.
While acknowledging the commercial appeal, he challenged filmmakers to explore broader expressions of intimacy, suggesting that storytelling could benefit from more creative portrayals of affection.
Daniel Etim-Effiong’s remarks come amid ongoing debate over his romantic roles, particularly following a viral promotional clip from Summer Rain earlier this year.
The video, which featured a passionate kiss between him and co-star Bolaji Ogunmola, sparked mixed reactions online where some critics questioned the appropriateness given his marital status, while others defended his professionalism.
His wife, Toyosi Etim-Effiong, addressed the controversy in March, stating she was unfazed by her husband’s on-screen portrayals.
The actor remains grounded, attributing his resilience to a strong sense of purpose and faith.
"I go on my knees and pray before I go to set and kiss. My family is my garden, then my work. It becomes a purpose to me… storytelling is a form of worship," he said.
The actor, who won Best Actor in a Drama at the 2022 Africa International Film Festival, also spoke about his transition from engineering to filmmaking, a leap he described as a calling.
Daniel Etim-Effiong’s directorial debut, The Herd, hit cinemas nationwide on October 17. The crime thriller follows a man kidnapped on his way home from a wedding in Ekiti, and his wife’s harrowing journey to rescue him. The story, he revealed, was inspired by a personal family experience.
"It struck a chord because my late mother once did everything to ensure my father, who was arrested by the military, came back alive," he said.
Produced by Toritori Films and FilmOne Studios, The Herd showcases a new chapter in Daniel Etim-Effiong’s career, one that blends personal history with cinematic ambition.
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