Why we featured Nollywood stars in Anathema – Samuel Ogunyooye

The Executive Producer of a documentary film titled, Anathema, Pastor Samuel Ogunyooye has opened up on why Nollywood stars were featured in the project.

This docudrama from the stable of Cheser Media Inc. set out to explore the white garment church, its inception and journey thus far.

It was premiered on Friday, November 11, 2022, at the Irvin Arts Centre, Texas, the United States of America.

Speaking on how he collaborated with Nollywood stars for the project, Ogunyooye said: “Basically, we collaborated with Nollywood stars because we considered them as a conduit pipe to pass our message across to the public. It is also noteworthy that Nollywood has contributed in no small measure to the wrong public perception the public has about the church, hence the need to also use the same medium to reach out to the public”.

Asked about the unique perspectives these stars brought to the documentary, Ogunyooye who doubles as the presiding pastor of the Glory of God Cherubim and Seraphim Church, said: “For me, I believe when there is a will, there is a way. The project itself is not a regular project, it is in a class of its own. We were able to facilitate their involvement through a renowned movie producer and screenwriter, Francisca Eleyele. The experience was an amazing one. Surprisingly, most of them having read the script understood our message, embraced it and were ready to deliver. We were also able to disabuse their minds in the process”.

The cleric also added that his disposition is to initiate documentaries that borders on the C & S Church.

“As it stands, my dispositions are still within the sphere of initiating documentary projects that borders on the C&S church.

Because it is a divine call and that is where my passion lies. On this note, the key messages include telling positive stories of the church that are underreported. What I hope to achieve with it is to effect a positive change and to also leave a lasting legacy through our visionary projects that unborn generations would run with,” he added.