The Story ⚡
Director Jide “JBlaze” Oyegbile Feature Brukaci Explores the Power of Touch and Connection
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Brukaci introduces viewers to the mystical land of Banzima, a world unlike any other. The inhabitants speak a unique blend of English with a distinct accent and a language called Bazio. This realm is characterized by its extraordinary customs where humans coexist with animals, communicate by touch, and adhere to the stringent laws of their god, Kali.
The vibrant visuals of this world are complemented by its unusual dietary practices, where food is consumed raw or semi-cooked, and the residents adorn themselves with gold-leaf tattoos. The moonlight in Banzima is an eerie red, adding to the mystical aura of the setting.
In a conversation with Shock newsroom JBlaze expressed his excitement about bringing this fantastical story to life, saying, “Being the writer, I am more excited about how I can make the audience believe this story… It’s a world where humans relate with animals and have them crawl in the house, a world where communication can be by touch and one can also see visual experiences of another by placing fingers on the other’s temple.”
The cast of Brukaci features an impressive lineup of talent, including Charles Born, Martha Ehinome, and Folu Storm, alongside JBlaze. The actors underwent rigorous preparation to immerse themselves in the unfamiliar terrain and languages of Banzima.
Charles Born shared his experience, noting, “Anyone who appreciates good storytelling, visual orgasms in film, and anything different from the regular will definitely LOVE this.
For me, it was learning and internalizing a language that doesn’t exist and delivering it as though it was second nature. Plus, I love challenges, and this offered me all these—plus money? Why not!”
The film’s narrative revolves around themes of barrenness, religion, adultery, and betrayal, resonating with universal human emotions and dilemmas.
As JBlaze describes, “The story, even though it is set in a different world, has some similarities with our world… The key characters make decisions because of their lack of a child, so the emotions actually feel like they are a part of us.”
On accepting to be a part of the production, Folu Storm shares “The challenging part about bringing this to life is creating a whole new world and a whole new language! Getting into a character who speaks a language you recognise is one thing but it’s a whole new ball game when you are working with something completely new to you”.
The film which is in a fantasy genre is quite the concept. Even Martha Ehinome reveals that the audience of this film will be individuals who enjoy fantasy, exploring new worlds and generally like good storytelling.
She goes on to say. “In terms of dealing with the fictional language, I had to make sure to get the words right and convey the meanings they were to carry. Then, having to cohabit in that period with animals we typically avoid normally, was something”
First Look Teaser
Key Background
Jide JBlaze Oyegbile, a celebrated filmmaker and AMVCA/AMAA nominee, seamlessly blends his medical background with a career in the entertainment industry. He is a trained medical doctor with a degree in Anatomy and an MB; BS from Bowen University, where he produced his first film.
His passion for the arts, particularly acting and filmmaking, began at a young age, nurtured through church drama groups and later refined during his university years. JBlaze’s entry into the entertainment world was marked by his involvement in various stage plays and short films, culminating in a notable performance in the popular series King of Boys 2, directed by Kemi Adetiba. This role not only showcased his acting skills but also solidified his presence in Nollywood.
In addition to acting, JBlaze has expanded his repertoire to include directing, screenwriting, and producing. He has been involved in directing a major series, Okirika, Nightlife in lasgidi and Damage Done. JBlaze’s approach to filmmaking emphasizes authenticity and meticulous research, particularly in medical scenes, drawing on his medical expertise to enhance realism.
Tangent
Fantasy drama, a genre that blends imaginative storytelling with elements of the supernatural and speculative fiction, has seen a growing acceptance in Nigeria’s entertainment landscape.
Traditionally, Nigerian cinema, or Nollywood, has focused more on contemporary dramas, romance, and socio-political narratives. However, the genre’s recent surge in popularity reflects a shift towards more diverse and experimental storytelling approaches.
The acceptance of fantasy drama in Nigeria can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the genre offers a fresh and engaging alternative to the conventional storylines in Nigerian films. With its ability to transport audiences to imaginative worlds and explore complex themes through fantastical elements, fantasy drama has captivated viewers seeking new and diverse experiences. Secondly, the genre benefits from Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, including folklore and mythology, which provides a deep well of inspiration for fantasy narratives.
Productions like the upcoming Finding Messiah and the highly acclaimed Anikulapo exemplify how fantasy can be interwoven with Nigerian cultural elements, creating unique and compelling stories that resonate with local audiences.
The rise of streaming platforms and increased access to global content have also played a role in popularizing fantasy drama, allowing Nigerian creators to draw from international trends while incorporating local perspectives. As a result, fantasy drama is gradually carving out a niche in Nollywood, reflecting a broader trend towards genre experimentation and the growing appetite for diverse storytelling in Nigerian cinema.
In Summary
Brukaci is being pitched as a series, followed by various festival runs and screenings. Official release date and format will be soon be revealed by the production company.
