Prolific Nollywood actor, producer and film director, Femi Adebayo, recently released his highly anticipated Netflix limited series, 'Seven Doors', to much critical acclaim. The series, which now tops the streaming platform's charts, has been highly valued by the public as one of the famous actor's best works. He recently sat down with select entertainment editors to discuss his motives and experience filming the work. ROTIMI IGE brings excerpts from the interaction.
What inspired the script for 'Seven Doors' and how difficult was it to interpret?
The inspiration for 'Seven Doors' came from my desire to tell stories with a cultural base and universal appeal. The concept arose from a conversation I had with someone in a position of influence, which led me to weave this fictional but thought-provoking narrative. Performing the story was both challenging and rewarding. We had to carefully balance the spiritual and dramatic elements while ensuring the story remained authentic and emotionally resonant for the audience.
What key themes does the film explore and why do they resonate with audiences?
'Seven Doors' delves into themes of redemption, courage, politics and the profound consequences of elections. These are universal and deeply personal themes that resonate with people from all walks of life. Everyone faces challenges and crossroads on their journey, and the film reflects the power of decisions in shaping one's destiny.
This marks his directorial debut. What is the most important lesson you have learned from producing this series?
The most important lesson I have learned is the power of collaboration. Filmmaking is a collective effort, and trusting and inspiring your team is essential to success. I also discovered that as a director, patience and adaptability are vital in navigating unforeseen challenges while staying true to your vision.
What are your expectations for streaming numbers, especially as the film competes with popular titles? Also, how does this competition affect the industry?
I'm optimistic about the streaming numbers because 'Seven Doors' offers something new and unique to viewers. Healthy competition is invaluable to the industry, challenging us all to raise our creativity and production standards. Ultimately, the audience wins as they can enjoy a wider range of high-quality content.
How do you balance the creative vision with practical constraints like budget and resources?
It's always a delicate balance, but I prioritize elements that really serve the story. Limitations can often spark creativity as they push you to find innovative solutions. Difficult decisions are part of the process, but the goal is to ensure the narrative remains compelling.
What legacy do you hope to leave in Nollywood and how does 'Seven Doors' contribute to it?
My vision is to leave a legacy of excellence in storytelling, creating narratives that transcend cultural divides and elevate Nollywood on the global stage. 'Seven Doors' contributes by showcasing the richness of our culture, the depth of our talent and the universal relevance of our stories.
Filmmaking can be financially risky. How do you manage the risks of big-budget projects, particularly when streaming platforms dismantle indigenous projects?
Risk management requires strategic planning and diversification of financing sources. I often fund my projects independently before going to investors, which gives me more creative freedom. Additionally, I focus on creating stories with both local and international appeal, making them viable in multiple markets. It's always ideal if you have the means to self-fund your project, as it gives you the freedom to work with the people you truly believe will make the work better. However, this comes with its risks. In my experience, when actors become fully involved in a project, it creates a give-and-take dynamic that ultimately makes the process more fluid. Speaking of synergy, I remember a particularly powerful scene where I was able to let go of everything that was weighing me down and just sit with my wife, Chioma. That moment was captured in a single take, pure energy and emotion, perfectly synchronized.
How does Nollywood contribute to the Nigerian economy and what changes can maximize its impact? What challenges does the industry still face collectively?
Nollywood is a vital contributor to Nigeria's economy, creating jobs and showcasing our culture on a global scale. To maximize its impact, we need better infrastructure, more government support and stronger global partnerships. However, challenges such as piracy, inadequate funding and industry cliques continue to hold us back. Collaboration and innovation are key to overcoming these obstacles.
Critics argue that industrial cliques are a hindrance to Nollywood, especially in the Yoruba sector. However, you brought together a diverse cast for this project. How did he achieve this? Have you faced challenges coming from clique dynamics?
Assembling a diverse cast wasn't easy, but I focused on the strength of the story and reached out to actors who shared my vision. The project itself became a unifying force. While cliques exist, I choose to remain neutral and focus on fostering inclusion and opportunities for everyone involved.
What's next for you? Apart from Jagun Jagun 2, what should fans expect?
Fans can expect more innovative projects that push the boundaries of storytelling. My focus remains on exploring diverse narratives that resonate globally while remaining deeply rooted in our culture. 'Jagun Jagun 2' is just the beginning of what's to come!
Coming from a lineage of legendary actors, particularly your father, Oga Bello, who must still be amazed by your progress, how do you feel about carrying on the family legacy?
For me, the ultimate prayer is that my children make me proud. Honestly, I never imagined I would get this far, but I always knew I could do better. We come from a generation that grew up watching YouTube and African Magic, which offered opportunities for expression not because we lacked creative sense, but perhaps because the platforms aligned with our capacity. Another challenge is the language barrier; Not all our languages have the same universality on the global stage.
I am often asked why I predominantly make Yoruba films, especially since I am fluent in English. The answer is simple; I grew up listening to my father speak Yoruba in his performance. I developed a deep love for the language, especially proverbs and proverbs, which fascinated me. I didn't want to follow the crowd or do what everyone else was doing. In fact, this reluctance to conform led me to stay away from English-language films.
My turning point was when I decided to take a risk with 'Ageshinkole'. I honestly thought I might lose the investment, but the overwhelming audience acceptance taught me a valuable lesson: when you package your culture with authenticity and respect, it resonates universally.
This understanding led me towards exploring new horizons. As I told Chioma, I am now producing more films in English, with the aim of proving that I can do it and not get pigeonholed into a specific language or stereotype.
I like to make a statement with my work. As Chioma rightly says, Femi has the ability to excel in all areas and so far, I have been doing just that. The success of my first project has fueled the momentum of others.
Government reforms and policies often impact the creative landscape, and sometimes even conflict with the visions of filmmakers. Additionally, there has been growing concern about the quality of content uploaded to platforms such as YouTube, with many filmmakers misusing the platform. If, for example, Netflix ceased operations in Nigeria tomorrow, what would be the fate of Nigerian content consumers?
Government policies and reforms certainly shape the creative environment and can sometimes clash with the filmmaker's narrative. While regulations are necessary to maintain structure and protect cultural integrity, they can sometimes restrict the fluid nature of creative expression. As filmmakers, we must remain agile, navigate these frameworks while telling stories that touch the hearts of the audience. It's about finding a balance and ensuring that the message is not lost amidst bureaucratic limitations.
When it comes to platforms like YouTube, while the democratization of content creation is a double-edged sword, content quality is an area where filmmakers need to take more responsibility. With easy access to such wide audiences, an increasing amount of poor quality content is published. But rather than blaming the platform, it's up to us as creators to ensure our work stands out for its quality and impact. We must embrace continuous learning, invest in improving our craft, and focus on producing content that not only entertains but also educates and inspires.
As for the hypothetical scenario where Netflix pulls out of Nigeria, it is certainly a challenge, but it would not mean the end of Nigerian content consumption. The Nigerian film industry is strong and has thrived for decades through local cinemas, regional television channels and now a growing number of indigenous streaming platforms. The absence of a global player like Netflix could create a gap, but it would also open opportunities for local players to grow and innovate. Filmmakers will have to be more strategic in their distribution, taking advantage of new platforms and technologies. Our stories, deeply rooted in culture and identity, will always find an audience, and local platforms can play a crucial role in maintaining and expanding that reach.
In the end, the fate of Nigerian content consumers is tied to our resilience as an industry. We must continue to produce high-quality, culturally relevant content, diversify our distribution channels, and cultivate a loyal and dedicated audience. The future remains bright if we remain committed to excellence and innovation.
Also read: Femi Adebayo debuts as a director with 'Seven Doors'
How easy was it for you to go from 'Jagun Jagun' to 'Seven Doors'?
It was easy to move on from 'Jagun Jagun'. As a producer, the key is to define the genre of each project. 'Jagun Jagun' is a war and action film, while 'Seven Doors' is a love story mixed with tradition. The scripts are completely different, so the focus is on interpreting the current script without dwelling on past projects.
How challenging was it to conceptualize the story and perform it, especially with your wife and children in the film?
I conceptualize my stories and work with a team to develop them. For 'Seven Doors', my team initially rejected the idea, feeling it could damage my brand, but I insisted because I wanted to try something vintage. My wife and children in the film immediately joined in, which made the role playing perfect.
What do you think of the comments on social media, where people change the name of the film?
I feel excited about the reviews. I prefer non-suggestive titles that pique curiosity without revealing too much. The title 'Seven Doors' represents women with respect, based on Yoruba tradition, where knocking on a door means seeking entry into a woman's space.