Renowned Nigerian filmmaker Babatunde Akinnayajo, popularly known as Mr Tunez Filmmaker, has disclosed the reason for shooting his latest successful movie, ‘Arinfesesi (A Day of Misfortune),’ in Ibadan, Oyo state.
In addition to shining a light on crime, he seized the opportunity to highlight the magnificence of Ibadan, Oyo State, as an exceptional filming destination. The movie showcased two distinct settings: the vibrant urban landscape portrayed as Lagos and the serene village scenes shot in Ijaye, Ibadan.
According to Mr Tunez Filmmaker, the decision to film ‘Arinfesesi (A Day of Misfortune)’ in Ibadan, Oyo State, was driven by two primary factors. Firstly, he focused on unveiling lesser-known locations within Ibadan and highlight the city’s scenic beauty as a captivating backdrop for the movie. Secondly, he emphasised the peaceful and hassle-free shooting environment that Ibadan offered, in contrast to the challenges often encountered in other areas.
In the movie, Ibadan served as a stand-in for Lagos, with careful attention to detail in recreating the city’s essence. Through the use of drones and aerial shots, the filmmakers skilfully portrayed the illusion of Lagos, including the apartments and various urban settings. This creative approach allowed them to capture the spirit of both cities within the confines of Ibadan.
Mr Tunez Filmmaker lauded the abundance of hidden locations in Oyo state, which provided unique and undiscovered landscapes for scenes in the movie. He also highlighted the absence of common disruptions encountered during filming, such as touts demanding money (owo omo onile). The peaceful and cooperative atmosphere allowed the cast and crew to focus on their work without unnecessary distractions, contributing to the smooth execution of the film.
“Ibadan, Oyo state is a very good place to shoot your movie. Number one, you have lots of locations that people don’t know. Number two, is extremely peaceful to shoot. No, agbero will stop you when you’re shooting. People don’t demand for money, owo omo onile. All these owo omo onile and co., you don’t hear about them in Ibadan,” Mr Tunez Filmmaker told entertainment journalist and media expert Adeyinka Oluwamayowa.
This deliberate choice of settings allowed for a dynamic storytelling experience that reflected the diverse aspects of Nigerian society. Shooting ‘Arinfesesi’ in Ibadan, Oyo state not only showcased the city’s aesthetic appeal but also demonstrated the potential of Oyo state as an ideal filming destination.
Mr Tunez Filmmaker’s decision to bring attention to Ibadan’s cinematic potential aligns with his vision to explore untapped resources and support the growth of the local film industry. As a result, Ibadan served as the backdrop for a captivating and successful production that fascinated audiences and will soon be showcased at the Toronto International Nollywood Festival in Canada.
In the interview with Adeyinka, Mr Tunez Filmmaker emphasised the urgency of confronting the multitude of atrocities, disasters, and bombings that have plagued Nigeria in recent times. He articulated his conviction that some of these acts cannot be attributed solely to alleged terrorists, but are instead orchestrated by individuals who profit from these malevolent actions.
Driven by a deep sense of responsibility to raise awareness, Mr Tunez Filmmaker set out to depict the ordeals faced by innocent individuals caught in the web of such wickedness with the movie, ‘Arinfesesi (A Day of Misfortune)’. His objective was to illuminate the potential complicity of politicians in these nefarious deeds, encouraging viewers to critically examine the underlying causes and motivations.
With a genuine desire to create social consciousness, Mr Tunez Filmmaker sought to use his filmmaking expertise to shed light on the intricate web of these atrocities. By exploring the experiences of ordinary people who have unwittingly become victims of such violence, he aimed to challenge prevailing narratives and prompt a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play.
Through ‘Arinfesesi,’ Mr Tunez Filmmaker planned to initiate important conversations about the root causes of these heinous acts, highlighting the possibility of vested interests exploiting the situation for personal gain. By delving into these sensitive topics, he hoped to provoke introspection and encourage society to address the systemic issues that perpetuate such violence.
In undertaking this endeavour, Mr Tunez Filmmaker recognised the power of storytelling as a catalyst for change. Through the medium of film, he strived to inspire audiences to question established narratives, demand accountability, and work towards a more just and harmonious society where the innocent are protected from the machinations of the few who seek to profit from their suffering.
The screenplay for ‘Arinfesesi’ was skilfully crafted by David Osarieme and brought to life by an ensemble cast of renowned Nollywood actors, including Akin Lewis, Jaiye Kuti, Shawn Faqua, and Bolaji Ogunmola. Taking charge of the production and directing duties was the talented Babatunde Akinnayajo, better known as Mr Tunez Filmmaker.
