How I was sexually assaulted at 10 —Bukola Kiitan

With 10 years in the movie industry, popular actress, Bukola Kiitan, may have lost count of the movies she has featured in but would not forget the sexual assault she suffered as 10 year-old girl. The screen diva who released a movie, ‘Right Time’ recently hopes the flick would contribute to the fight against the scourge of paedophilia, sexual assault and rape. In this interview by SEGUN ADEBAYO, the actress speaks about life, career and plans.

If you could recall your early days in the movie industry and the story behind your rise to fame, what comes to your mind when you look back at the journey?

The journey has been smooth, rough and nice. My first appearance in a movie happened in 2011 or thereabout when I appeared in the movie entitled ‘Jejeloye’ by Toyin Abraham. It was a party scene, and I was an actor in that scene, but that was the starting point for me as far as filming is concerned. After that movie came other great movies that I have been blessed to have featured in.

Who are those who played major parts in your recorded success in the industry?

Many people actually did play their parts. I can’t pin down a name now because every job has come with its experience and peculiar lesson. For me, everyone played one role or the other, including directors, production managers and a lot of actors and actresses. Even crew members were a big part of my success story in the industry and I appreciate every one for being part of the success story people read and hear about today.

Speaking about accepting movie scripts, what’s a deal-breaker for you?

I love to challenge myself so any script that does that is a ‘Yes’ for me. If I get a script that I believe is not something people will accept as a movie, I will turn it down. ‘Toyawo’ produced by Afeez Owo was a movie that showcased me well after my own production Kiitan (Iku Ile). My role in Kunle Afolayan’s Citation also boosted me. So, you see that every movie has played its part in the making of the girl Kiitan the industry now talks about. I am indeed grateful for the growth and success.

How many movies would you say you have starred in till date?

Wow! I lost count already; it’s been quite a lot in the last 10 years. But to date, I have produced three of movies and there is more to come from me.

With 10 years in the game, does acting and filmmaking still pay the bills?

Asides my work in the film industry, I run a supermarket and I also bake cakes. But truthfully, acting does pay my bills. The other businesses are for added income.

Would you agree that Nollywood as an industry amplifies voices and gives people a platform speak against injustices?

Yes, it does help a great deal. It is a big platform where so many injustices and unfairness could be exposed and addressed. We have the platform; all we need to do is to use it rightly and be a voice for the voiceless either through movies or social media platforms. The people see us and they know we have the voices that could amplify their thoughts and silent prayers. Some of them look up to us to be their voices and we can’t afford to fail them. We have to use the platform well.

In the last few months, Nollywood seems to have unearthed a lot of unpleasant sexual predatory experiences by a lot of women. Tell us, have you ever been a victim of sexual assault? How old were you and how did it come about?

I have been a victim of sexual assault, rape. I lost my virginity at the age of 10 through rape by a street brother. We lived on the same street, Okebola street, Ado Ekiti, in the building opposite a popular hotel.

You released a movie recently; ‘Right Time’ and it tackles the scourge of paedophilia and other forms of sexual assault. Was it inspired by personal experience?

My movie ‘Right Time’ is my true-life story I had to put it in writing and make it a movie for people to learn and also remember to speak up at the right time and be courageous.

The Baba Ijesha sexual assault issue seems to have snowballed into a free-for-all at this time. Is that what inspired the release, as it seems too coincidental?

My movie release and Baba Ijesha saga were just coincidences. It was not related in any way.

How do you handle attention from the opposite sex, does it ever become too bothersome?

I am used to making friends with guys, so it’s either ‘yes’ or ‘no’. The truth remains that guys are meant to woo ladies; that is the natural order of things; it is now left to the lady to handle the advances in a mature way. Even when we can’t be together, we can always be friends and do better things together.

Your advice to younger women with a passion for acting and filmmaking like you?

As a young lady trying to act in movies, be prayerful, humble; don’t be arrogant, and more importantly stay focused.

Tell us about your early years, what was growing up like?

I was born in Okebola, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State. I hav e lot of mixed feelings about my childhood and growing up, but I am grateful to God for where I am today.

Where did you get your formal education?

I started at Union Baptist in Ado-Ekiti, moved to Christ Girls School, also in Ado Ekiti. This cumulated in me getting my first degree at the University of Ado Ekiti. However, I later went to study Business Management in South Africa.

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