Muyiwa Adesokun, the director of Shina, is reflecting on his unexpected success with the film, which has garnered significant attention since its release.
In an exclusive interview, Adesokun shared his thoughts on transitioning from poetry to filmmaking, the creative process behind Shina, and his reflections on Nollywood’s evolution.
Transition from Poetry to Filmmaking
Adesokun, who began his creative journey as a poet, found the transition to filmmaking surprisingly natural. He notes that both poetry and film share a common thread in storytelling, which made the shift more fluid than he initially expected.
Creative Process for Shina
Adesokun described his approach to creating Shina, mentioning how he studied various scripts and filmmakers, including Aaron Sorkin, Jordan Peele, and Quentin Tarantino. His goal was to craft a compelling story that resonated with audiences while also navigating the complex process of scriptwriting and directing.
Surprising Success on Netflix
The success of Shina on Netflix, where it remained on the Top 10 chart for seven weeks, was beyond Adesokun’s expectations. He expressed disbelief at the film’s popularity and its status as the second most-watched film on Netflix in Nigeria for 2024.
Experience with Cast and Crew
Adesokun praised his experience working with the cast and crew of Shina, highlighting the strong relationships and friendships that developed during the project. He appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with Timini Egbuson, who served as an executive producer, and other talented individuals involved in the film.
Balancing Art and Commerce
Adesokun acknowledged the challenge of balancing artistic vision with commercial viability. He emphasized that while a strong story can attract investment, filmmaking is an expensive endeavor. He believes that a good story should connect with its audience while also being marketable.
Milestones and Challenges
Adesokun is proud of the reception Shina has received and the success of his poetry collection, The Taxi Driver and Other Poems. However, he also cited the rising costs of filmmaking as a significant challenge, which impacts the ability to create art solely for its own sake.
Observations on Nollywood
Adesokun noted the growing competition and rising standards in Nollywood, which he believes are driving the industry forward. He identified the strength of Nollywood as its talented people and expressed a desire for more collaboration within the industry to further establish it on the global stage.
Influences and Advice
Among his influences, Adesokun highlighted Kayode Kasum, Kemi Adetiba, and BB Sasore for their storytelling prowess and passion. He advised aspiring filmmakers to focus on learning scriptwriting and to take bold steps to create their first film.
Balancing Career and Personal Life
Adesokun believes that success in one area of life energizes the other and values his support system. He practices time management to balance his career and personal life, despite often wishing for more hours in the day.
Final Advice
For those looking to enter the film industry, Adesokun emphasized the importance of mastering the craft of writing for film and television and encouraged aspiring filmmakers to pursue their dreams with determination.
Adesokun’s journey from poet to filmmaker highlights the power of storytelling and the impact of passion and dedication in achieving success in the competitive world of cinema.
