My attention was drawn to the ugly title of the film below .
At first I thought it was a prank. Then I started seeing it as sponsored promo. I can’t believe one creatively shalow producer will just sit somewhere and choose to malign the image and dignity of one of the most historically precious pieces of land on the continent of Africa. A serene land of peace which had spread its mat of welcome to people from all over the globe .
There were three options I weighed. To get an injuction, or petition the NVCB. The body charged with protecting the dignity of creative output in the country .
Rather I chose a 3rd option which is to put a personal call to Dr Shaibu Husseini
the DG of that body . A man I had known for decades as an addict of the best of professional practice the creative industry in this country. He immediately gave me a cheering news . That a group of nine people from Badagry has submitted a petition on the film tittle to his office . I didn’t ask who they were but whoever they are I was proud of them as protectors of Badagry image. The DG said he immediately got in touch with the producers who claimed they named it so bc it was shot in Badagry. What a very un professional excuse.
Many of the films depicting Islamic conflicts are shot in the desert area of Califonia. I also reminded Dr Shaibu of the incident when some people used the revered Eyo masquerade to depict armed robbers . How the people of Isale Eko rose in indignation and got it withdrawn.
Dr Hussein needed little convincing. Here’s a man who grew out of the best of theater tradition in Nigeria. From being a pioneer of the National troupe birthed by PA Ogunde in Ososa. A prolific writer of the creativity page of The Guardian, and member of the Commitee vetting and recommending outstanding Films made in Nigeria for the American Oscars!
He immediately took the decision that the classification , which must preceed release, scheduled for tomorrow 4th July is cancelled. The only way that film will ever get released in this country is if they change the title. The content is a crime story that has nothing to do with Badagry.
The contribution of the children of Badagry to Nigerias creative and tourism culture is sometimes under estimated.
Pa Olatunji from Ajido is the first Nigerian to win the Grammy. My humble self is the youngest Nigerian to direct a film on Celluloid at age 30 , 42 years ago. In fact my film Iyawo Alhaji, 1992,was the first ever Censored by the NVCB.
So we have soo many sons of the soil who have done exploits in all areas of the creative culture.
Producers from anywhere in the world are welcome by the people to utilise the serene and breathtaking scenic uniqueness of Badagry for flims and all multi media projects. But while you are at it , do not malign and trample on the image and branding of the land and its people. It is settled !
