The Story⚡
Biodun Stephen’s new movie Our Father premiered in ICFF Canada on the 12th of July. Here is everything you need to know and its release plans for Nigeria.
Tell Me More
Biodun Stephen is a filmmaker well known for beautiful family stories such as Big Love, Joba, Picture Perfect, and The Kujus and again she announces her new film Our Father.
The feature tells the story of an impoverished and disillusioned father who seeks to reconnect with his family after years of abandoning them to chase his musical dreams; only to discover one of his children is now a national music sensation.
Played by Olarotimi Fakunle, Audrey Edak Harrison, Daniel Etim Effiong, Uche Montana, Mike Afolarin, Kelechi Udegbe, Adediwura Blarkgold, Brobouche, Obed David and others.
Our Father was directed by Biodun Stephen and executively produced by Eliroze Entertainment.
On the 6th of July, Biodun announced the premier of the new movie which will happen in ICFF Canada on the 12th of July 2024.
In conversation with Shock Newsroom, she shares what makes her excited for audiences to see it.
“One of the things that excited me about the project was the story. It was heartwarming, and a man was in the story’s centre (A Father).
We do a lot of films about moms, about women and it was nice to see a father who was trying to do something for his family but stumbled and missed his way, and then the journey to reconnection and ultimately redemption. It was such a heartwarming film, very character-driven and that’s one of the things I find very exciting.”
Biodun Stephen added that all actors brought with them their A- game which made her job easier. For example, Olarotimi Fakunle, after receiving the script, bought a drum set to practice how to drum as his character was heavily dependent on that.
The cast further shared their experiences with the film and the characters they played.
Olarotimi Fakunle who played the lead character (Sunday) says “I loved the script, I love the challenges it posed, and of course having the opportunity to work with the phenomenal Biodun Stephen (Aunty B) is a one-in-a-life chance I was never going to let pass me by. And the array of talents I will be playing alongside with was too much a bait to refuse.”
Co-lead actress Audrey says “Omg, the challenging part of bringing this script to life would have to be the part where my character, Angel is an artiste. I had to take classes with professional dancers some weeks before principal photography, as well as learn the lyrics of the songs my character performed. It was a bit challenging for me but guess who enjoyed it!
Also, I wear a dual cap on this one as a producer and an actor and having to juggle producing with acting was a bit of a challenge. However, with the help of an amazing team, it was smooth sailing once we got past pre-production and got into production.”
Mike Afolarin says “I know Biodun Stephen tells amazing stories. And I particularly enjoyed reading the script. It had fantastic actors like Olarotimi, Daniel Etim Effiong, and Audrey, I knew no doubt we were going to tell an amazing story.”
Tangent
ICFF is the Lavazza IncluCity Festival usually hosted in Toronto, Canada. ICFF was inaugurated as a grassroots non-profit film festival in 2012, ICFF has developed into a multidisciplinary and multicultural organization that embraces all facets of the arts. ICFF has grown to celebrate over 15 different local communities and attracts 51,000+ attendees.
Every year, all year around, ICFF proudly brings together a vibrant community to celebrate movie magic, multiculturalism and diversity. Boasting an incredible lineup of outdoor glamorous screenings, insightful conferences and jaw-dropping special events, the festival offers an unparalleled slate of experiences that are simply unmissable!
Key Background
Biodun Stephen is a Nigerian film director, writer and producer, specializing in romantic drama and comedy films. She is an alumna of Obafemi Awolowo University, where she studied philosophy. Afterwards, she underwent practical film production training at the London Film Academy.
Biodun Stephen began her film-making career in 2014 with the release of The Visit and has been noted for incredible family drama films including Tanwa’s Baggage, Picture Perfect, Happy Ending, Breaded Life, Big Love, Muri and Ko and many others.
In Summary
Nigerians are delighted to see another creative piece from Biodun Stephen, Whilst there is no confirmation of theatrical releases, we look forward to Our Father’s debut in Nigeria.
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