Hey folks, it’s been a while we had a chit-chat scoop on this platform, blame it on having too many stuffs in my plate (literally speaking abi na typing.. lol). So I recently cornered this UK based filmmaker for an interview after seeing one of her latest movies, OKETE, check out excerpts from our 30 minutes chat below… Btw, if you haven’t see that movie before now, abeg go watch am and thank me later, especially people who doesn’t believe in the law of karma. Enough said, oya back to today’s business.
Wumi Olabimtan is a Nigerian and a Yoruba lady from Osun State, Gbongan to be precise. I’m a UK based Nollywood filmmaker and a musician. I am hospitable, empathetic and friendly but shy at times
. (Lol)
When did you start your journey into the make believe world?
I started my acting career in 2003. I went to Wemimo film school in Ibadan and later proceeded to Ayo Oluyemi filmmaking school, where I completed my acting course.
How many have you produced and which one is the most challenging one?
I have produced 3 movies so far: ETI, OKETE & AKO ISE (Deadly Assignment). All my productions was an amazing experience, because all the crew and the cast were supportive and pleasant. Though nothing is expected to be 100% perfect, that’s why we should always be PRAYERFUL, considerate and tolerate each other.
As a UK based filmmaker, how are you able to shuttle between Nigeria and London for your productions? And how often do you travel to Nigeria to make movies?
It’s not an easy task but due to my unrelenting passion for movie, it’s very easy for me. I travel to Nigeria at least 3 times a year, this is also determined by my family and academic commitment in UK.
What inspires the story behind your latest movie, OKETE?
My grandmother told me a story about gold, the repercussion behind it’s stealing. OKETE is an evidence-based story, and the lesbianism aspect of it is for moral education because it’s recognized as a major social influence now in Africa and the world at large. This act has devalued our culture and have affected the future of our youths, influencing the negatively.
Does your distance hinder you from getting movie roles?
That’s 190% true, not 100%
, but after God there is someone behind my present career achievement. He encouraged me when I wanted to quit acting in 2003 at Wemimo’s location in Ibadan, he gave me hope, he reckoned the talent in me, he put his big project at risk in other to showcase my talent, he ushered me to the river, in order to maintain the continuity of water fetching. He always remain my father, my mentor, he is called Alhaji Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande) My role model in the industry and outside the industry: My boss, Ayo Oluyemi, my brother Muyiwa Ademola, & Rev. Edward K. Alabi. They inspire me with confidence, they lift my spirit always, they enlighten me on how to deal with challenges and overcome. I’m always happy to see them being supportive of my career.