By Abiodun Adebola
Filmmaker, Tunde Kelani is charting a new path in film production in Nigeria with his filmed play, Yeepa.
Kelani, who has set out to preserve a number of literary works, has commenced the shooting of Femi Osofisan’s classic work of literature, Yeepa Solarin Nbo, using a fusion of stage and film technique.
Speaking on his new move, Kelani said ‘the new direction would elicit interests and excitement in Nigerian film industry, which critics believe, it’s not churning out new offerings and as a result fails to arouse response or interest of the audience.’
In Yeepa, Kelani, preserves the stage form and infuses film technique, deploying four cameras shooting in Dream Studio, Ikeja, Lagos and on locations in Abeokuta.
Interestingly, the robust cast is a fusion of the traditional theatre artists, trained thespians and Nollywood stars. They include Ropo Ewenla, Bayo Bankole, Ayo Binta Mogaji, Ebun Oloyede, Toyin Osinaike, Joke Muyiwa, Kayode Olaiya, Monsuru Olajide, Samson Alli, Ibikunle Oladipo, Gboyega Olomodosi, Toyin James, Toyin Omotubora and Yemi Ogunyemi.
The filmed drama according to Kelani, will be screened privately for top corporate organizations as well as in select cinemas and community halls and schools from October this year.
In the filmed play, there are injections of songs that appeal to conscience and social causes- Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s Je n wi temi,(Don’t Gag Me) and Ololufe, Ayinla Omowura’s Omi Tuntun, which opened the film.
