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DRIFT: UNCOMMON THEME IN NOLLYWOOD

  • September 13, 2022
  • 6 min read
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DRIFT: UNCOMMON THEME IN NOLLYWOOD
Simeon Hellah, Director, Producer, Cinematographer, YouTuber and the Founder/ Executive Director of Ho Africa TV

Nigerian filmmakers that understand the enormous power of film stories are beginning to utilise the medium as a veritable tool to address critical issues in society. One of those Nollywood stakeholders whose newly produced short film addresses Neuroticism is Simeon Olanrewaju. The film- Drift is billed to be officially released on 23rd September 2022. Simeon, the director of the short, shared some thoughts about the film and other sundry issues with shoots.ng.

Enjoy the excerpt.

Shoots.ng:  Neuroticism is not a familiar theme in Nollywood films. Why the choice of neuroticism in your short film, Drift?

Simeon Olanrewaju: Considering the long-existing conversation between psychology, neuroticism and religiosity – Spirituality. Our research showed solid scientific evidence, which suggests that individuals who regularly participate in spiritual worship services or related activities and who feel that spirituality or the presence of a higher being are sources of strength and comfort are healthier and possess greater healing capabilities.

The film Drift treats the subject from a spiritual point of view, as scholars have suggested that faith is beneficial to health and healing because it helps people avoid unhealthy behaviours. Nevertheless, this movie starts conversations on these two contexts without offering an actual solution. Instead, it is a call to action for society.

Shoots.ng: Issue-based themes are rarely treated in Nollywood films because they could be boring if not well executed. What have you done differently in Drift to attract eyeballs?

Simeon Olanrewaju: Having a child actor was one of the things we did differently. Naturally, people feel this soft spot when they see kids embody a character that could have been given to an adult actor. Doses of humour were also infused in some scenarios in the film while maintaining its original context.

The information you feed your mind affects your well-being.

Shoots.ng:   What is the takeaway from Drift, and how do you expect the world to see it?

Simeon Olanrewaju: At the end of the film, the audience would question their conscience on if, truly, every mental ailment is a result of psychological disorders or spirituality. It would also inform people how the information they feed their minds affects their wellbeing. So we expect the world to see Drift as a book with the rhetoric; of mental health – psychological disorder or Spiritualism.

Shoots.ng: What challenges did you face in the course of producing Drift?

Simeon Olanrewaju: At first, it was not an easy task working with a rookie child actor; it took consistent drills to get him to understand the story and his character. Also, since Drift is not a regular story, making the actors understand the script and immerse themselves into their respective characters was quite challenging. We had to rehearse with the lead actors a couple of times before principal photography commenced. Another challenge was in the bush at night without security. But, looking at the project today, I can say it is worth the effort.

Shoots.ng:   What is the release date, and where can people watch Drift?

Simeon Olanrewaju: Drift will have its digital debut on 23rd September 2022 on Ho Africa TV YouTube Channel. Later, it will also be available on selected Cable Networks and Local Television stations.

Shoots.ng:   Nollywood is facing the issues of misrepresentation and misinterpretation; what do you have to say to this as a filmmaker?

Simeon Olanrewaju: The menace of misinterpretation and misrepresentation cannot be overemphasised as we have seen, even in recent times, many Nollywood films reek mediocrity right from the storyline. However, inarguably, many more films from the industry have veered off the unidirectional and conventional witchcraft and voodoo storytelling style. Filmmakers now research several intellectual discourses to make films. I boldly say that such misrepresentation will become obsolete a few years later.

Shoots.ng:   What do you think the government at all levels can do to assist budding filmmakers like you?

Simeon Olanrewaju: It is arguable that the entertainment industry has contributed immensely to the country’s GDP and employed more individuals than any organisation. So I would say the government should create more platforms, like grants and sponsorship opportunities accessible to all (both established and rising filmmakers), to aid the industry’s growth. The industry also needs its film city, like the United States have Hollywood. This will ease production as well as avoid public interruption.

Shoots.ng:   As a filmmaker, how can you describe the incursion of international streaming platforms into the Nigerian film market?

Simeon Olanrewaju: The streaming platform in Nigeria has brought about positive impact and growth to the industry; my only concern is that the platform’s requirements are not friendly to independent filmmakers with no sponsors. It only allows established film studios to flourish, and I would love for these streaming companies to consider how they can accommodate independent filmmakers. Also, I cannot but imagine the long-term effects of this on cinemas, as more filmmakers may prefer to release their films exclusively to digital platforms, leaving the cinema on the verge of extinction.

Shoots.ng:   Is there any filmmaker you plan to work with in the industry?

Simeon Olanrewaju: It is every filmmaker’s dream to expand their network; I hope to work with fast-rising creatives who are well-equipped and celebrated filmmakers in Nollywood. However, I would not want to mention names because I believe time shall tell. I hope that as I continue my journey as a filmmaker, I will be opportune to meet more people.

Shoots.ng:   Who is Simeon Olanrewaju?

Simeon Olanrewaju: My real name is Simeon Olanrewaju; my brand identity is ‘Simeon Hellah’. I am a Director, Producer, Cinematographer, and YouTuber. I am the Managing Director of Ho Africa Communications, an audiovisual production outfit, audio and video equipment rentals, and social media management company. In addition, I am the Founder/ Executive Director of Ho Africa TV, an online entertainment platform with over 135,000 subscribers on YouTube.

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