Nigerians all over the world are noted not just only for their brilliance but also for their creativity, both home and abroad there are thousands of Nigerians who have shown sheer brilliance, creativity not just within one discipline but also in more than one disciplines as they have refused to be held by the traditional status quo which stipulates that you can only become a master at one.
Rotimi Adeola is among these special set of people who have proven themselves a worthy name and brand in Nigeria, his ability to successfully adapt and create something magnificent in the various fields which he has found himself.
For a man who has once served as a Secretary to the Ondo State Government (SSG) under the Olusegun Mimiko regime, an Organizational Psychology PhD holder from the University of Ibadan to have joined the Nigerian Entertainment Industry where he is currently making waves, it takes sheer courage and self belief in oneself to have pulled off such an amazing feat.
Because of his love for the entertainment industry, he attended the Mainframe Media and Film Institute owned by Tunde Kelani in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he was trained as a film producer.
In this interview by FEMI Salako, the Organizational Psychology Ph.D holder from the University of Ibadan, who now owns his production studio (NUMBER9 Film Studio), talks about the Nigerian movie industry and his upcoming movie, ‘The New Patriots’. Excerpts:
Question- We would like to know what is responsible for your seeming 360 degree turn from being a banker and public administrator to a movie producer.
I have not changed my vocational focus. That l am now a film producer is consistent with what l have been doing since l left school decades ago. People have the expectations that, since l was once a University teacher l should have gone back to the University after my service as SSG. Some people believe that, l should taken active participation in politics by vying for an elective position ; and many more. As l have said in many for a, lam a professional psychologist and my engagements across sectors were cases of practical application of psychological principles to influence work-related attitudes and behavior in the financial services, oil and gas as well as public sectors. I am in film making to influence behavior through the medium of audio-visual story telling.
Question- You recently came out with a blog buster movie, The New Patriot; can you tell us what brought about the idea ?
The beginning of any film making effort is a compelling story which is converted into a script. There are film makers that produce stories on comedy, romance, war and so on. My on preoccupation as a film producer is to present stories that can catalyze palpable social change. THE NEW PATRIOTS was inspired by a novel titled “Patriots And Sinners “ by Nnenna Ihebom. The idea to adapt a book for cinema was planted by Tunde Kelani while l was his student at Mainframe.Media And Film Institute Abeokuta in 2017 immediately after my term as SSG. I obtained and read a large number of novels by African authors and Patriots And Sinners was most compelling. Tunde Kelani then advised that l must get the permission of the author as the first step. So , l located Mrs. Nnenna Ihebom in Owerri and travelled to sign copyright agreement with her in March 2017. After the agreement l treated the novel and a script conference was organised with full participation of some of my teachers and colleagues at the film school : Tunde Kelani, Niji Akanni who taught Film Directing , Mohammed Sule who taught Script Writing and two colleagues Jibola Soyele and Dami Taiwo. After the conference Niji Akanni did the screenplay and a story became ready for production. It was quite a tedious process but for the encouragement of Tunde Kelani who showed keen interest in the project.
Question- What actually qualities “The New Patriots” for selection as the only Nigerian movie for International Film Festival in Venezuela ?
The New Patriots parades top grade and popular actors like Akin Lewis, Lateef Adedimeji, Bimbo Oshin, Dele Odule, Taiwo Ibikunle, Bimpe Oyebade, Bimbo Sunday , Damipe Adekoya, Motilola Adekunle, Jibola Soyele , Kemi Isijola , Mimmy Tee and many other trained thespians. It was directed by Adebayo Tijani and Terry Ayebo. I strongly believe that, the social relevance of the story, the quality of cast and crew as well as the quality of production must have informed the selection of The New Patriots for four international film festivals in Berlin, Venezuela, Montreal and Las Vegas.
Question- Can we describe your new movie as one off production; or have you come to stay as a movie producer ?
The New Patriots is my third movie and it won’t be the last. I did KEDERE in 2018 and ORIOYE in 2016. Tomogun Olubunmi coordinated the production of KEDERE and ORIOYE and both movies were shot in Akure.
My studio has also produced a talk show anchored by Doyin Kukoyi titled LADIES’ CHAT which shows on ITV Benin. We have also created psychotechnology of success which is a series of 48 short lectures on the application of psychological principles to personal success. The programme is on YouTube.
Question- Is your diversification from politicking to movie production really worth the stress ?
Movie production is fun for me because my venture into film making is out of passion. During my teen years, l was a regular customer at Rainbow Cinema in Mushin and Super Cinema in Surulere Lagos. I watched mainly Indian movies. Such exposures must have wired my psyche cinematically
Question- Do you really see “The New Patriots” as a tool that is strong enough to address many ills of our country?
The New Patriots is a social impact movie and an inspiration for youths on what should be the locus of their relationships with politicians. The movie is also designed to procreate positive changes in the attitudes, values and electioneering behavior of politicians and incumbent governments at all levels. The lessons embedded in The New Patriots, if absorbed, would actuate changes in the perception of elections and democracy in any developing nation.