I’m Wallowing In Debt - Tunde KelaniBy PM News
Published: November 19, 2006
Print Q: Tunde Kelani, what statement do you intend to make with the film Abeni?
A: The film is meant to apologise to Nigerians. After a long while, we finally succeeded in coming out with a film. So Abeni is to express my apology to the numerous fans of “Opomulero” and to tell them that from now on films will come out regularly.
Q: What is the connection between Mainframe and Dove Media in Abeni?
A: Well, we are exploring the dynamism of the marketing and distribution network of the media. Their coming into the film industry is a welcome development, at least the producers can come up with the creative aspect of the production because before now we had been worried that Nigeria with an estimated population of 120 million could not at least sell over one million copies but with the structure on ground now, we can boast of good sales.
Q: What is the business aspect of it like, are you selling the jacket or the right?
A: It is a straightforward business in that we worked out a good working arrangement to know what is accruing to both parties in terms of sales. It is a normal business.
Q: How much have you spent on the film Abeni?
A: I have spent between 5 and 6 million naira.
Q: Why did you decide to go to Benin Republic for the shooting of some parts of the movie?
A: I decided to look at the solid and cultural integration of both Nigeria and the Republic of Benin because they are our brothers and sisters across the border. We have the same culture. Frankly speaking, they were just unlucky to have been separated from us by the white men. If you must know, we have a lot of things in common. As a matter of fact, I have another film which I have been keeping to my chest, the title of the film is Narrow Path. It is an adoption of Bayo Adebowale’s novel entitled The Virgin. The film will be introduced to Nigerians soon.
Q: Recently, a South African movie won the Oscars award. So what is happening to the Nigerian movie industry?
A: It is only a matter of time. By putting the effort they experimented, we will get there. The only problem is that the South Africans have some natural advantages over us, in terms of funds and professionalism. But our industry is a very young one. We should be able to solve our own problems and compete favourably in the nearest future. For instance, if you talk about the introduction of GSM, Nigeria was about the last African country to join the race but look at where we are today. We have overtaken everybody. It is only a matter of time.
Q: After watching the premiere of the film -Abeni, you previewed some upcoming artistes and some mega stars. Why is this so?
A: Well, you know I have a different style, I do follow the plot of the story rather than the popularity of the artist. This helps me to tell the story better rather than elevating the stars. Having said that, we still go ahead to do the balance between the stars and those who are just coming on board. For instance, in this film (Abeni), we still have the likes of Jide Kosoko, Esther Idowu Philips a.k.a. Mama Rainbow featuring. We also have the likes of Kareem Adepoju a.k.a. Baba Wande in the film. They were able to garner experience.
Q: Abeni is a love story, a total deviation from the usual Tunde Kelani films?
A: Have you forgotten that we are experts at handling love story like the film Oleku?
Q: But Oleku was an adaptation of a book?
A: Forget about Oleku as an adaptation. The fact that it has crossed to film turned it into something else. Everybody remembers Yemi Shodimu who acted the role of Ajani in the film. So this is a very common thing. I don’t believe it is anything special.
Q: Why not the Idumota people, the Surulere film marketers amongst others, why is Dove Media handling the sale of the film?
A: Actually, with all the Mafia in the film industry, we are not getting anywhere. All those structures can not support our industry. The Dove Media issue is just a welcome relief. It is an organisation that is dynamic. For instance, I never thought that Nigerian film could be distributed through the post office and I realised that things could change for the better by the kind of innovation they are trying to put in place. From my experience, I realised that the firm is an expert in the business of motion pictures. You might just realise if somebody sold 20,000 copies of film you produced, somebody else can come and sell millions. So as far as I am concerned, with the projection of Dove Media, I believe they mean business.
Q: With your over one decade in the movie industry, what are your gains and losses?
A: I think our industry has been a success story even with the meagre resources available, and with some notable film festivals I was able to attend like the Rotalam New York Film Festival. To me, this is impressive and encouraging. All things being equal, I think we can do better than we have done.
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