Muyiwa Adesokun began his storytelling career as a poet. At first, he thought poetry and filmmaking were very different. However, he later discovered that these two forms of storytelling are actually connected. Muyiwa Adesokun wrote and directed his first film called “Shina”.
Muyiwa Adesokun believes that a good story needs to be able to sell well. However, he also points out that making films is very expensive. This high cost makes it hard for filmmakers to create art just for the sake of art.
Muyiwa Adesokun had an interview where he talked about how he became a filmmaker. He also discussed what he plans to do in his future career.
Read the excerpts below:
You seem to have transitioned from literary writing to filmmaking. How has the journey been?
I’ve always been interested in filmmaking. As a kid, I would watch the credits after a film and imagine how amazing it would be to be part of the team that created it. While writing poetry and making films may seem worlds apart, I’ve found a connection between the two in storytelling. Both mediums aim to tell a story, and that made the transition feel natural for me.
As a writer and director, what are the things you look out for before deciding to work on any film?
The story is the heart and soul of any project. Everything begins with the story — what message it conveys and how it resonates. It all starts there.
What was your creative process from script to screen for Shina?
As a writer, I consumed a lot of resources. Read so many scripts of films I thoroughly enjoyed. Aaron Sorkin is a screenwriter I admire a lot. Some of his works include The Social Network(one of the best films I’ve ever watched), A Few Good Men,and The West Wing. Understanding his approach to film was a major step in my process.
After completing the script, it was then reviewed and I got feedback from other writers and producers. These discussions also led to potential casting and things like that. In preparing to direct I also consumed content from filmmakers like Jordan Peele and Quentin Tarantino. Their different approaches to filmmaking inspired me.
Shina was on the Netflix Top 10 chart weeks after its release, how did that feel for you and your team? What did that mean to you personally?
It was surreal. I didn’t expect it to be on Netflix for 49 days, seven weeks! In addition, it’s the second most-watched film on Netflix in 2024 in Nigeria. It means a lot to me and the team. It surpassed our expectations.
How would you describe your working experience with the cast and crew?
Fantastic! I couldn’t have asked for a better team for my debut. We forged relationships and friendships that will last a lifetime. This project was full of firsts — my first time writing and directing, Carmen Lilian’s first time directing, and Timini’s first time as an executive producer.
Nollywood has changed over the years. Some films today focus more on profitability than art. How do you balance the artistic and commercial aspects of filmmaking?
It’s challenging. As a creative, it’s easy to become entirely focused on your art, but creating a film requires a lot of resources. The good news is that a strong story or project tends to attract interest and investment. It becomes easier to get people on board.
For me, a good story strikes the right balance — creatives enjoy making something remarkable, and for investors, there’s almost a guarantee of return on investment. However, no matter how good a story is, it must be marketable. That simply means it must have the potential to connect with its audience in a relatable way.
Would you like to share some milestones you’re particularly proud of?
I’m thrilled that the body of work I’ve put out so far has been well received. My book, The Taxi Driver and Other Poems debuted at number 14 in African Poetry worldwide on Amazon. As for Shina, I mentioned the milestones earlier. I’m just grateful to see the goals I set seven or eight years ago are coming to life.
Challenges they say are a part of life. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced and probably still facing as a filmmaker?
A major challenge is the cost of making a film. If I were to make Shinatoday, it would cost double or even triple what it did originally. The cost of filmmaking continues to rise at an alarming rate, which is daunting. This ties back to my earlier point — it’s become too expensive to create art for art’s sake. Today, it has to be profitable.
What significant changes have you observed in Nollywood over the past decade?
More and more people are devoting themselves to filmmaking, and every year the bar seems to rise. There’s a growing competition to create the next best film, with filmmakers constantly pushing the limits. As a result, Nollywood is only getting better.
What would you say are the notable strengths and weaknesses in the industry?
I believe the industry’s strength lies in its people — writers, directors, actors, producers, crew members, journalists — the entire ecosystem. As for weaknesses, I think there’s room for more collaborations. By working together, we can firmly establish Nollywood as one of the world’s top film industries. We have the stories, and we have the talent; we just need to collaborate more.
Who are your biggest influences in the film industry, and how have they shaped the kind of work you do?
Definitely Kayode Kasum. He’s exceptional at what he does. His attention to detail, passion for storytelling, and relentless drive to outdo his previous work are truly inspiring. I’m also inspired by the works of Kemi Adetiba and BB Sasore.
How do you balance your career as a filmmaker and your personal life?
I believe they fuel each other — success in one area energises the other. I also have a great support system. Being a stickler for time management helps me make the most of each day, though I often wish there were more than 24 hours.
What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers looking to make their mark in the film industry?
Learn how to write for film and television. It’s a skill that will make you a better storyteller and benefit you throughout your career. And most importantly, just go for it — do everything you can to make your first film.
Nollywood filmmaker Omoni Oboli disclosed that she exchanged her scripts for acting roles early in her career, which motivated her to pursue directing.
In an interview with Radionow 95.3 FM, Oboli recounted the challenges she faced at the start of her filmmaking journey, including giving away her screenplays for free and trying to direct her own films.
“I was trading my scripts, I’d say you know what, just take it, don’t pay me. Just give me a role in the film. So, I started to do that. But then I’ll watch the film and I realised, Okay it’s not quite what I had in my head when I was writing cos I see what I’m writing, I write in pictures. I see what I’m writing, so when I’m watching the movie it’s so different. Not to say that it wasn’t good because no two directors will direct the same script in the same way. So I said to myself, if my stories are going to have my DNA, then I’m going to have to direct them myself,” she said.
Omoni Oboli emphasized that she felt hesitant at the beginning of her directing journey. She lacked confidence but mustered up the courage to pursue her dreams.
“And it was a scary thought, really who do you think you are to come and direct a film? Like who are you again? You know it was so scary, but then I said to myself, Warri no dey carry lass na. Wwetin dem get wey I no get? I was like, I’ll do this thing. So I started understudying directors, like I’m acting on set but I’m watching the director closely. And I said you know what? Maybe I need some formal education on this. So I went to the New York Film Academy for a short course,” she added.
Nollywood filmmaker Ted Abudu has announced the upcoming release of her new movie, “A Night in 2005.” The film is scheduled to premiere in cinemas on October 11, 2024.
In an Instagram post, Ted Abudu expressed her enthusiasm for the release of her latest directorial project.
“Literally shaking as I post this. Ladies and Gents, I present to you the first official poster for my feature film titled A Night in 2005.
“So much to say but please help us just enjoy this very fine poster!
“The year was 2005 and the night was young until everything changed within the blink of an eye.
“Get ready for an epic drama of love, friendship, and family.
“#ANightin2005 hits all cinemas on the 11th of October. Mark your calendars!” the post said.
Ted Abudu, a renowned Nollywood filmmaker, is the daughter of media mogul Mo Abudu. Mo Abudu is the CEO of Ebonylife Group, a leading media and entertainment company in Nigeria. Abudu has made significant contributions to the industry with her short film “Crash” and the web series “Money Men Marriage.”
In July 2024, she had the opportunity to participate in a four-week residency for filmmakers hosted by African Creative TV (ACTV) in Los Angeles.
Abudu has also revealed the talented cast members who will bring her new film “A Night in 2005” to life. The ensemble includes Ini Dinma-Okojie, Efa Iwara, Bimbo Akintola, Ireti Doyle, Teniola Aladese, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Taye Arimoro,Laura Pepple, Susan Pwajok, Shamz Garuba, Demi Banwo, Olaiya Kayode Aderupoko, Modesinuola Ogundiwin, Timilehin Ojeola, Inem King, Harriet Akintola, Daniella Peters, and ChrisAkwarandu Esther Amanda-Jacob.
Inem King produced the film, and Ebonylife Place provided location support. FilmOneEntertainment has been appointed as the official distributor for “A Night in 2005.”
Filmone’s drama-thriller “Farmer’s Bride” stars Tobi Bakre and Gbubemi Ejeye. They command attention in the intense new trailer. Set to release in cinemas on September 27th, the film combines elements of love, betrayal, and supernatural revenge, promising an exciting storyline.
Adebayo Tijani and Jack’enneth Opukeme directed the movie which features an ensemble cast. This cast includes Femi Branch,Mercy Aigbe, Efe Irele, and Wunmi Toriola.
The plot transports viewers to 1980s Ibadan, where the story centres on Funmi, a young woman trapped in an unwanted marriage. Funmi, played by Gbubemi Ejeye, is forced into a union with Odun, portrayed by Tobi Bakre, a wealthy yet lonely farmer.
While Odun offers her financial security, Funmi’s heart belongs to someone else. Her emotional turmoil deepens as she struggles to cope with a life she didn’t choose, and her resentment toward Odun intensifies.
As Funmi finds herself torn between duty and desire, she becomes involved with another man who ignites a passion in her that Odun never could. This affair pushes her into a precarious situation, where the consequences of her choices begin to take a dangerous turn. The film explores themes of loyalty, desire, and the supernatural, as Funmi’s decisions spiral into a web of deadly repercussions.
“Farmer’s Bride” not only delves into the complexity of relationships but also incorporates elements of supernatural vengeance. This adds depth and intrigue to the plot. The film promises gripping performances from the cast. Indeed, with visually striking scenes and a gripping storyline, the film will keep the audience on edge.
As the September 27 release date approaches, viewers can expect a compelling mix of love, betrayal, and the haunting consequences of difficult choices.
