Turning my life into a movie pains me – Wole Soyinka

The legendary Nigerian playwright and Nobel Prize winner, Wole Soyinka, has expressed discomfort with the idea of a film adaptation of his memoir.

Soyinka opened up about his life in a recent interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo.

The 90-year-old author, known for his outspokenness and activism, shared his thoughts on his memoir-turned-movie, “The Man Died,” and his lifelong journey.

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Soyinka, who was imprisoned for speaking out against the Nigerian Civil War, wrote “The Man Died” while in solitary confinement.

The book, a gripping account of his experiences, has now been adapted into a film.
However, Soyinka admitted that he’s not too keen on seeing his life story on the big screen.

“It hurts to watch my life on screen,” Soyinka said. “It’s like putting my life under a microscope. I’m not comfortable with that.”

Larry Madowo asked, “You wrote about those prison years in a memoir which has now been turned into a movie, “The Man Died.” Have you seen it yet?”

Soyinka responded, “No. Let me put it this way, turning anything in my life into something other people can watch, pains me. I assisted them in trying to locate a house in which I hid and operated during the civil war. They were looking for something close to one we were using during that period.

“But it’s not just about me alone, it’s also about a particular period. I might watch it eventually, but not immediately. Even this very interview we’re doing, I won’t watch. It always takes a while to bring myself to watch me.
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Soyinka’s journey to becoming a renowned author and activist began at a young age.

He recalled listening to his parents’ political discussions and participating in women’s rights protests as a child.

When asked about his biggest achievement, Soyinka didn’t hesitate. “My biggest achievement is surviving,” he said. “Life is a constant struggle, and I’ve learned to overcome many challenges.”
He even expressed a desire to go to space, a dream he’s held since childhood. “I’m ready for anything,” he declared. “Even space travel.”