Assistant director Tajudeen Selim Adekunle has expressed profound delight following the nomination of Fathia Balogun's acclaimed feature film, Efunroye, for Best Film in an African Language at the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). Adekunle, who served on the production team, noted that the nod serves as a vital validation of the immense dedication, collaboration, and hard work invested by the entire cast and crew to bring the complex historical project to fruition.
Speaking to journalists in Nigeria, Adekunle highlighted that acknowledgment from such a high-profile continental platform brings much-needed exposure not just to the completed movie, but crucially to the behind-the-scenes technical professionals whose tireless efforts translate raw scripts into compelling cinematic experiences. He added that the recognition has further bolstered his drive to refine his technical expertise and add lasting value to the expanding Nollywood landscape.
What inspired his journey into filmmaking?
Recalling his entry into the motion picture industry, Adekunle revealed a lifelong fascination with the intricate technical and creative machinery operating behind the camera. Beyond mere narrative storytelling, he expressed deep enthusiasm for observing how various production units collaborate harmoniously to transform abstract concepts into relatable audiovisual art.
Shedding light on the demands of his specific job description, Adekunle described an assistant director's portfolio as an intricate balance of artistic comprehension, meticulous planning, and rapid crisis management. According to him, the role entails harmonizing shooting timelines, managing cast and crew movements, setting up sequences, and maintaining seamless channels of communication across diverse production departments.
"The job requires balancing a director’s creative vision with the practical demands of production, including time management, logistics, safety and continuity," Adekunle explained. He further noted that collaborating with various directors over the years has considerably broadened his grasp of filmmaking, exposing him to diverse directorial styles and operational workflows.
Why are indigenous films gaining traction?
Addressing the steady rise of local-language cinema, the filmmaker attributed the trend to a growing consumer appetite for authentic narratives that accurately mirror local identities, native languages, traditions, and lived experiences. However, he cautioned that sustained momentum requires a simultaneous elevation in technical output, pointing out that cinematography, audio engineering, wardrobe, set design, and overall acting performances must maintain high standards.
Adekunle emphasized that creators handling indigenous-language projects must exercise utmost diligence regarding cultural representation. Elements such as vernacular diction, phonetic accuracy, behavioral nuances, and traditional artifacts require authentic handling to preserve cultural integrity.
What lies ahead for local cinema?
Looking toward the future, Adekunle remains highly optimistic about the trajectory of indigenous Nigerian movies. He argued that the nation's immense ethnic diversity and rich historical heritage provide an inexhaustible reservoir of stories capable of resonating with international audiences.
To fully capture global markets, he advocated for increased capital injection into professional training academies, advanced production hardware, post- production infrastructure, and modern distribution networks. He concluded that strategic international promotion will ultimately catapult indigenous Nigerian storytelling onto the global stage, ensuring wider appreciation of local creative output.