Film  

In New Film, Ogbedun, Akinsola Deepens Culture, Power Study

By Gregory Austin Nwakunor

23 November 2024   |   2:21 am

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Seyi Akinsola is driven by a simple aspiration: achieving excellence in every endeavour. Alongside my wife, I co-founded Astrocraft Productions. We first registered Astrocraft in the UK in 2013, laying the groundwork for what has now become a significant pursuit.

• Set For November 24 Premiere

From November 24, cinemagoers will have opportunity of seeing a rich history and culture told in highly cinematic medium. In this interview, the executive producer, Seyi Akinsola, unveils the new film t what to expect.

So, who is Seyi Akinsola, the executive producer of Ogbedun?
Seyi Akinsola is driven by a simple aspiration: achieving excellence in every endeavour. Alongside my wife, I co-founded Astrocraft Productions. We first registered Astrocraft in the UK in 2013, laying the groundwork for what has now become a significant pursuit. I am dedicated to carving a unique path in the industry, aiming to establish myself as a producer known for projects with unmatched scope, international appeal, and cultural diversity. Already, we have a project planned for next year that will be filmed both in the UK and Nigeria.

My foray into filmmaking in Nigeria stems from my academic background, having earned my first degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan. I was fortunate to be tutored by some of the most respected minds in filmmaking, drama and dramatic criticism, including Dr. Hyginus Ekwuazi (as he was then), the late Professor Dapo Adelugba, and Professor Femi Osofisan, among others.

Although I ventured into different fields after university, my passion for filmmaking never waned. In 2019, I began to seriously contemplate returning to filmmaking, but the onset of COVID-19 delayed those plans. By 2021, I managed to executive produce two films directed by highly talented individuals. The relative success of these films encouraged me to take on a larger project to solidify my position in the industry, which led to where I am today.

Astrocraft Productions, under my leadership, focuses on well-packaged, high-quality storytelling that remains authentic and original. One of my goals is to discover and nurture new talent. The teaser for Ogbedun, my latest project, received positive feedback from audiences, reaffirming my commitment to perfecting my craft. Ultimately, I aim to create films that meet the high standards of cinemas and international streaming platforms. Despite the challenges presented by streaming giants such as Netflix, I am determined to break into global markets, particularly, in the UK and Nigeria. Our upcoming project will be a rich portrayal of African stories told in an authentic way.

I must also acknowledge that my commitment is not purely professional; my wife is an integral part of my journey. Humility and resilience are core values that illuminate my career path.

Your latest movie will begin its cinema run this month. What is it all about?
It is truly a remarkable achievement to see Ogbedun set for release in cinemas on November 29. To me, this film goes beyond being just a project; it embodies creative collaboration, trust, and shared vision. The idea for Ogbedun originated as a personal venture — I wanted to create a Yoruba film with an all-Ijesa-speaking cast, something I hadn’t seen done before. I initially approached a friend with extensive knowledge of my hometown, Ijebu Jesa, who shared the legend of Ogbedun. I felt an immediate connection with the story owing to its powerful human emotions. Realising I needed a skilled director to bring this story to life; I reached out to Farouk Abisoye, a highly talented and ambitious young filmmaker who had already impressed me with his work on a previous project.

Farouk may not be widely known yet in Nollywood, but his talent is undeniable. I believed giving him a platform would contribute to the growth of the industry. The story of Ogbedun revolves around the character Ogbedun, the illegitimate son of the late Oba Agana, who was enticed to a kingdom in turmoil after decades of exile. The throne’s vacancy triggers fierce power struggles among influential families. The narrative, rich in historical drama and personal redemption, explores the clash between morality and ambition, reminiscent of Shakespearean themes.

The film boasts a stellar cast, including Jide Awobona, Jide Kosoko, Akin Lewis, Antar Laniyan, and Babaseun Faseru, all delivering captivating performances. Ogbedun will be distributed nationwide by Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution. It underscores the message that truth and justice ultimately prevail, no matter the obstacles.

Who wrote the movie? And who directed it?
The story concept originated from my friend, Niyi Ajifowobaje. Recognising its depth, I collaborated with Farouk Abisoye, whose writing talent matched the story’s emotional and thematic demands. Farouk and I co-developed the storyline to enhance its cinematic impact while staying true to its core. My background in screenwriting, bolstered by training from the University of Ibadan and a short course at the New York Film Academy, equipped me to contribute effectively to this project. This film is one I am immensely proud of, both as a producer and storyteller.

What was the inspiration for the movie?
The inspiration for Ogbedun began as a personal project in my native dialect, Ijesa. I wanted to celebrate my heritage and showcase my hometown, Ijebu Jesa. The story concept, introduced to me by Niyi Ajifowobaje, perfectly aligned with this vision. Collaborating with Farouk, we saw that Ogbedun had the potential to reach beyond a niche audience and resonate on a larger scale while retaining its cultural roots. We decided to produce it in English, ensuring its accessibility without sacrificing its authenticity.

What challenges did you face during the making?
Producing Ogbedun came with numerous challenges that tested my dedication. One of the biggest hurdles was balancing authenticity with practical limitations. Staying true to the cultural setting meant sourcing traditional costumes, props, and locations that authentically represented the era. This involved extensive planning and coordination, made even more difficult by the fact that I was outside the country and arrived just in time for filming. Farouk’s tireless efforts in scouting locations and preparing the set were invaluable.

Additionally, managing the logistics of a large-scale production with veteran actors like Jide Kosoko and Antar Laniyan required navigating complex schedules. The team that Farouk assembled proved essential, helping us push through setbacks with determination and collaboration. The journey also involved continuous script refinements to balance local authenticity with universal appeal, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Was there support for it?
‘Financially demanding’ doesn’t even begin to describe it. Ogbedun was fully funded by Astrocraft Productions, the company I co-own with my wife. We risked our life savings to bring this project to life, overseeing everything from financing to production coordination. Despite the high costs, we were committed to maintaining quality in every aspect, from set design and costumes to casting top-tier talent. The post-production and marketing stages were even more financially taxing, but the end result is a film we are truly proud of.

What should the audience expect?
With Ogbedun, audiences can expect a captivating tale of betrayal, power struggles, and justice, deeply woven into the cultural fabric of its setting. The film explores universal themes through a culturally rich narrative, delivering an emotional and immersive experience. The journey of the protagonist, Ogbedun, and intense performance from the cast makes for an exceptional cinematic experience. Starting December 6, Ogbedun will also be showing in cinemas across nine African countries, expanding its reach and impact.