Filmmaker Kemi Adetiba has expressed profound gratitude to audiences for their overwhelming support and glowing feedback on her latest film, To Kill A Monkey (TKAM), which she described as one of the most emotionally and creatively daring projects of her career.
In a statement shared across her social media platforms, Adetiba admitted she’s still searching for the right words to fully capture her appreciation. She called the public response to the film a “tsunami” of validation that transformed the project into what she described as a “monster hit.”
“Thank you from the bottom-box of my heart,” she wrote. “You validated every actor, every character, every crew member, every long night, and every hard decision that went into this project. You validated me.”
To Kill A Monkey explores the moral and emotional complexities that arise when a principled person is pushed to their limits. Adetiba said the story strips away theatrics, instead presenting raw, human experiences that reflect the tough, often uncomfortable decisions people must make under pressure.
“The film asks what it takes to break a principled man,” she said. “How much pressure does it take to make him snap? And what is the ripple effect on those around him?”
She added that the characters in the film often make difficult or morally ambiguous choices but remain true to their own realities, underscoring the film’s commitment to authenticity over perfection.
Adetiba said the inspiration for the story came from a desire to challenge audiences’ assumptions about morality, especially when viewed through the lens of privilege and comfort. “It’s easy to speak of principles when you’re not staring down hunger or desperation,” she noted.
The filmmaker emphasized that the film’s success was largely driven by word-of-mouth, social media conversations, and fans who shared the story widely.
“Your conversations took over the space. You guys have power,” she added. “We’re humbled, we’re overwhelmed, and we’re grateful beyond words.”
To Kill A Monkey continues to receive critical acclaim and strong viewer engagement, further cementing Adetiba’s reputation as one of Nollywood’s most compelling storytellers.
