Makers Of ‘Ajaka: Lost in Rome’ Hold Screening To Attract Investors For Feature-Length Film

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From left to right: Osas Akugbe, Background Supervisor (Creative Director, Spoof); Ayodele Elegba, Producer/Director (CEO, Spoof); Wale Olojo, Line Producer (Operations Manager, Spoof); Collins Momodu, Animation Director (Head of Story, Spoof), and Music Director John ‘Bars’ Ogbeche.

CEO Spoof and DIrector of Ajaka, Ayodele Elegba

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From left to right: Osas Akugbe, Background Supervisor (Creative Director, Spoof); Ayodele Elegba, Producer/Director (CEO, Spoof); Wale Olojo, Line Producer (Operations Manager, Spoof); Collins Momodu, Animation Director (Head of Story, Spoof), and Music Director John ‘Bars’ Ogbeche.

Alliance Française, in Lagos, was lit with excitement as film enthusiasts, industry professionals and government representatives gathered to witness the breath-taking screening of ‘Ajaka: Lost in Rome,’ a captivating 20-minute animation film that left the audience in awe.

The film screening was held on Tuesday, 30 May 2023, and was graced by the esteemed crew and director.

The screening marked a significant step towards raising awareness for this extraordinary project and attracting investors for its transformation into a feature-length animation.

‘Ajaka: Lost in Rome’ delves deep into the story of Ajaka, the former king of the old Oyo empire, whose pursuit of peace made him the target of his younger brother, Shango.

Consumed by a bitter rivalry, Shango resorted to deceit and replaced Ajaka on the throne, ultimately exiling him from the Oyo Empire.

The film beautifully follows Ajaka’s remarkable journey as a slave and gladiator in the grandeur of Rome. Despite the trials and violence, he faces as a gladiator, Ajaka’s unwavering determination and resilience ignite his relentless fight to return home to Oyo.

The screening at Alliance Française showcased the exceptional talent and creativity invested in ‘Ajaka: Lost in Rome’. The animation flawlessly combined vivid visuals, great storytelling, and a powerful narrative.

The director of the film and CEO of Spoof,  Ayodele Elegba, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support and praised the cast and production team for their unwavering commitment to bringing this captivating story to life.

“The success of the film screening at Alliance France underscores the immense potential of ‘Ajaka: Lost in Rome’ and highlights the need for a  full-length version that will further delve into Ajaka’s gripping journey,” Elegba said.

With its ambitious vision, the production team behind ‘Ajaka: Lost in Rome’ is actively seeking potential investors who share their passion for exceptional storytelling and the power of animation.  The growing interest of comic and animation creators from Nigeria by foreign film companies has now made animation the ‘next big thing’ in Nollywood.

To whet the appetite of the audience with this 20-minute introductory film, Spoof raised money from Kickstarter in partnership with J1 Studios and Dad Is Not A Noun – two American companies who believe in the ‘Ajaka’ feature film.

So, the producers are looking forward to further forge strategic partnerships with investors who recognize the immense value and marketability of the project as they strive to transition from a 20-minute masterpiece to a feature-length film.

Spoof Animation is behind the film. The company was founded based on the principle that quality animation can be made in Africa, so since 2016, Spoof has built a place that houses the best animation artists who have worked with clients from around the world since inception.

Watch the trailer below: