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Kunle Afolayan narrates how he once directed a movie he didn’t understand

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Kunle Afolayan has revealed that he once directed a movie despite not understanding its storyline.

The filmmaker shared the surprising experience at the third edition of Kunle Afolayan Productions (KAP) Film & Television Academy’s Reel Circle, an initiative for film enthusiasts to learn from industry experts.

Afolayan, who identifies as a narrative director, said the film, an installation project, was unfamiliar territory for him.

The 50-year-old award-winning producer said despite his reservations, the person who referred him for the job — with a significant payment of $40,000 — convinced him not to back out.

Afolayan said he attempted to clarify the script with the producer and sought input from others but still struggled to grasp the plot.

He said he decided to focus on other aspects of the film, such as utilizing natural light in the museum where they filmed.

Afolayan admitted that he remains unclear about the film’s meaning even after completing the project.

Although he did not mention the title, the producer said he was flown business class to five countries for the film’s premiere in 2007.

“I was asked to direct something I know nothing about. I tried to like bail out but somehow I was convinced that I could do it. But I knew, I did not know what I was going to do. I did not understand the story. It is an installation film, even at the time I didn’t know what installation film was,” he said.

“Before I agreed to it, I read the script, I did not understand it. I called someone Biodun Aleja, may his soul rest in peace, he read it and said ‘this is crazy’ and then a few other people. I spoke to the person who introduced me to the project that ‘can I meet with the producer? Maybe if she shares her vision, I would get it’.

“Then he flew me to London and we sat for like two hours and she was talking. She showed me her showreel and I knew there was a problem because the showreel did not make sense. It was a complete abstract installation, people just doing weird things and I am a narrative director. Then I called the link and said ‘I am not doing this, I would not even know what to say’.

“But he was like they are paying you $40,000, you have to do it. I said okay but I was like let us do an adaptation of a scene but even with it I did not know what to adapt. But because Biodun Aleja was there, he studied Performing Arts, so his literature is stronger. I was like look, we have to find a way. They are flying us to Miami and Chicago, we cannot turn that down.

“They did this and we went, we filmed in like the oldest museum. I was the director and there were five trucks of equipments. It’s like someone throwing you into the ocean and asking you to start swimming. I am like I am the director, so I have to use that power. But then I have always wanted to shoot in a space where they have large windows, where I can have a ray of light.

“So I was focusing on other things, I did not understand the story. Up till now, after we shot the film, if I watch it again, I am like what was the story? There was no story but guess what? They flew me to five countries to premiere the film and they were flying me in business class since 2007.”

The academy also entered a partnership with the United States embassy in Nigeria to train aspiring filmmakers.

Entertainment

Rema, Tems, Ayra Starr make Rolling Stone’s ‘top 100 albums of 2024’ list

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The projects of Rema, Tems, and Ayra Starr have been listed among Rolling Stone’s ‘best 100 albums of 2024’.

The list, which was released on Monday, spotlights outstanding albums that have enjoyed global success in the year.

The magazine described ‘Heis‘, Rema’s second studio album which secured the number 11th spot in the list, as a “unique, buzzy and visceral” project.

“Heis sounds more like a rave than almost anything Rema has made prior raging while everything else simmers. The result is the buzzy, visceral, sweat-it-out music that no one else in the mainstream is making,” it wrote.

Tem’s debut album ‘Born in the Wild‘ earned the 37th spot due to the “physical and emotional listening experience” it gives.

“Her debut album measures the soul work it’s taken to get here. All of it has paid off on an album so rich that the listening experience is a physical one as much as it is emotional,” the magazine wrote.

Starr’s second album ‘The Year I Turned 21′ clinched the 53rd position. According to Rolling Stone, the album showcased the singer’s “musical maturity and enviable passion”.

“Ayra Starr asserts a musical maturity that be could be considered far beyond her years but perhaps more aptly serves as a reminder of the emotional depth, logical process and enviable passion young people possess,” it added.

In 2022, Asake’s debut album ‘Mr Money with the Vibe’ made the US magazine’s list.

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Laju Iren narrates how she juggle marriage, ministry with filmmaking

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Laju Iren, a pastor at Celebration Chuch International (CCI), has revealed how she manages her multifaceted life as a minister, wife, and filmmaker.

In a recent interview on the WithChude podcast, Laju, the wife of Emmanuel Iren, the founder of CCI, credited her ability to balance her roles to early self-awareness and the support of people around her, including her husband.

She also emphasized the importance of defining herself based on her relationship with Christ, rather than her various roles.

“Because I am a girl with many places, what I learnt very early is to first define myself based on who I am in Christ. Because there are going to be seasons in my life maybe I am not preaching as much or making films. I have a beautiful marriage which is amazing, but the thing is, if you keep defining yourself by roles, once any of those roles are not in their perfect positions, it becomes very difficult to find yourself,” she said.

“There have been seasons in my life where I was just a pregnant woman being on bed rest and raising a child.

“One great gift I have is self-awareness. If I am working on anything apart from ministry or family, it is most likely a three to four-month project. One thing that has really helped me is to realize that all the things I do do not define me. I am defined by Christ. Many people are called to be pastor’s wives. Of all the things I do, that one is a lot. I think it is a grace thing. I am also surrounded by incredible people. My husband is a lot of things. He is also a creative guy.”

Laju has written movies such as ‘Mistakenly Yours’ and ‘Loving Amanda’, which feature notable stars like Blossom Chukwujekwu and Teniola Aladese.

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Actress Kudirat Ogunro builds house for mum

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Kudirat Ogunro, the Nigerian actress, has built a house for her mum.

The actress, who is popular in the Yoruba film industry, took to her Instagram page on Monday to share a video from the housewarming ceremony.

Ogunro showcased the interior of the stunning property. She expressed joy and pride in being able to build her mum the house, describing it as an “incredible milestone”.

She also took the opportunity to pray for her fans, wishing them the grace to celebrate similar milestones.

“A special piece of my heart, built just for my mom. I did my best and God did the rest. Congratulations to her on her beautiful new home,” she wrote.

“This moment is so precious to me as I celebrate this incredible milestone with her. There is truly no greater joy than bringing happiness to your loved ones and seeing their dreams come true.

“As I share this joy, I pray God in his infinite mercy bless every one of you. May he provide for all your needs, make your dreams come true and grant you the grace to celebrate beautiful milestones like this with your loved ones.

“May your hinds be filled with love, peace and divine blessings. Here is to new beginnings, endless joy and countless reasons to celebrate for us all. Cheers to love, family and blessings.”

Ogunro, who learnt acting under the tutelage of Iyabo Ojo, has featured in several films, including ‘Okan Dudu’ and ‘Abomination’.

Aside from being an actress and producer, she also sells herbs and herbal medicine.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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