Encomium
TUNDE Kelani is a veteran cinematographer, producer and director. In an exclusive chat with ENCOMIUM Weekly, he opened up on his pains, challenges and success story.
How would you rate your career over the years?
My career of about 40 years took me through thick and thin to build up to this level. I started with photography, proceeded to television as a filmmaker and attended London Film School. I would say, I played a part in pioneering film making in this country that became very popular in the 80s up to the 90s. I started Mainframe Productions. Mainframe was all about producing quality, entertaining and meaningful films. We came out with Social Heritage Films, as a springboard to social relevance and from that point, we managed two parts of production which are Mainframe and Tunde Kelani Productions also known as TK. Therefore, all through my career, I would say I am lucky to be engaged in what I love to do, that I have great passion or and I enjoy doing anytime any day. I also have a collection of what I have done over the years which remains a form of classical reference and relevance when you talk about the Nigerian film industry.
Being in this field, what were the major challenges?
Over time, none of us would have predicted that Nigerian infrastructure would collapse or there would come a time when we would not have electricity. We thought that by now, Nigeria would have the greatest network of roads. Things that we took for granted back then, only for us to wake now and see how they are failing in terms of technological infrastructure. Our industry lacks infrastructural administration to make it sustainable. Although we are trying to find solution to the challenges but it will cost a great sacrifice and effort to make sense of it.
What has been the pains and the gains?
One of the gains is that, the Nigerian film industry or Nollywood gave the world a brand of African cinema from the perspective of the African and that counts as Nigeria’s gift to the whole world or to Africa in the diaspora. On the other hand, the pain of working in an unfriendly environment and my works which are meant for my retirement benefits have been killed by piracy. That is my greatest pain.
What would you say has been the secret of your success?
Talking about success, I wish I had enough money but the reward has been the support and acceptance of the Nigerian audience because without the audience, we would have no industry at all. The audience has recognized me as a producer for being consistent and making quality films.
You are known for producing movies that are rich in cultural heritage, what inspires them?
It is easy for me to produce films that are rich in cultural heritage because I am primarily inspired by my Yoruba culture and heritage. I am able to recognize that as an asset of my culture and therefore, it is easy for me to accept my culture and as a springboard and my window to a global view.
Speaking on the movie, Maami, which you recently released on DVD, which pirates have taken over, how do you feel?
Over the last few years, all my works have been pirated and we have a problem with Arugba most specifically because we have about 30,000 copies unsold and the loss of Arugba prevented us from releasing Maami for four years. Even then, we decided to place Maami on DVD instead of VCD but Maami’s piracy is worst than that of Arugba because it was pirated within 48 hours and for me, that was the end and I thought to myself, ‘I don’t think I can release anymore film in Nigeria.’ Again, it also threw the challenge of ending my career but I will work hard on getting investors into the movies and possibly improve on technological infrastructure that would not give piracy a chance in Nigeria. I can’t even quantify the loss but I am just appealing to everyone to buy the original copy of the movie, Maami, which goes for N400 because it would encourage me to move on and not to breakdown. It will also help me get back on my feet.
Dealing with piracy, have you ever had any form of confrontation with them?
My role is not to have any form of visible confrontation because all the government agencies are upfront to curb the situation. Besides, it is not a new challenge, it’s just lack of implementation of the law. So, it is a national problem.
Maami was to be released for the 2010 World Cup, but would you say the piracy of Arugba delayed it?
No. We showed it around that time. It was produced as a reflection of the type of football played on African soil but again, it is still relevant now that there is another World Cup around the corner in Brazil. The theme of the movie would always be relevant.
What message is the movie passing to its viewers?
The message is, ‘No matter our humble beginning, with education and sports we can make it. It pays a lot of tribute to motherhood. It highlights the bond between mother and child.
How much did the movie gulp?
Maami cost me about N30 million.
How do you intend making all the money invested in the movie?
At the moment, I can’t envisage but one thing I know is we have to sink or swim in order to make the money back. We just need people to please buy an original copy or even buy more than one copy of the movie.
At the moment, how much has the movie fetched you?
Until we sell up to 50,000 copies then we can say this is how much we have made.
About your new movie, Dazzling Mirage, what is it about?
It is a love story adapted from a novel by Yinka Igbekhlae from the University of Ibadan. It is a love story but as a theme of sickle cell and we think that with an interesting film like Dazzling Mirage, we can draw more attention to sickle cell in Nigeria.
Who are your choice of cast and why?
The cast was led by Kemi Lala Akindoju, who has an extraordinary talent but not so popular in the industry yet. She is good and more of stage and short films. The male lead is Kunle Afolayan. We have fantastic actors like Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Seun Akindele, Bimbo Manuel, Carol King and many more.
How were you able to gather all of them in one movie?
We did a casting and got the best. When you see the movie you would agree with us that we selected the best.
What were the challenges during the production of Dazzling Mirage?
We stopped at a point because we ran out of money and that is still a challenge but the movie is ready and would be premiered in August. The World Cup is starting on June 12.
How do you juggle family and career?
For me, it is one and the same. There is a very little line between them because they are one activity. There was a time we lived in the office for 10 years. So, it is home and work at the same time. One is like an extension of the other.
-DOLAPO AMODENI
