Dr Oreofe Williams, popularly known as Awojesu, is a prolific faith-based filmmaker. In this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, he speaks on his mission to transform the faith-based film industry and how he has empowered the younger generation through his vision.
You recently brought ace actors and fathers of faith together in Ibadan. What was your main aim with such development?
It was all about our annual festival to celebrate the Easter in a unique way. the event is tagged, “Festival of Talents 2024”. We started small from the City of Talents Academy. We did not neglect the film village this year. We had a lineup of the events for the year; we had a series of events for the annual event and we had the premiere of our new production at the Jogor Event Centre, which was attended by popular actors, personalities, and fathers of faith.
Is a faith-based movie and it is essential that both Christians and non-Christians have a feel of it. It addresses some critical issues in the church as well as to re-ignite souls.
Some of the personalities that graced the event were Taiwo Ibikunle; Raph Niyi; Professor Doyin Aguoru; Reverend Sam Igbiaye and wife of Hosanna Praise Church; Elder Gbo; Mummy Olumoye of Glad Tidings, and Pastor Claudius Olaiya of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Gbaremu Centre Centre, among others.
I am happy to tell you that the response to the new movie, entitled, “Olorun Merinlokan” has been overwhelming. This shows that God is behind us. He gave us the message to work upon and granted us the wisdom and the strength to pass it across to His people for a greater impact. There are even demands from all over. Plans are ongoing to take the movie to Lagos, Abuja, and some parts of the country. Even churches want us to tour around.
You have distinguished yourself as a faith-based filmmaker, career personality, and founder of a film village and school. How do you feel about achieving this uncommon feat?
I believe so much in hard work and determination. Of course, there would be no way you want to get something done that there would not be distraction. But I believe a lot in discipline because no matter how determined you are if you are not disciplined, there are things you would never be able to get.
By extension, l believe in loyalty; to be loyal to the people who love you and who have been there for you. Of course, when l say loyalty, l do not mean that you are going to be loyal to people whose intention is to deceive you or destroy you. I don’t burn bridges, l make friends. If l get somewhere and l discover you are not out to deceive me or destroy me, you would be my friend.
I still get in touch with my teachers who taught me at the university in 1991. l believe in commitment and availability for those you love. These are virtues that have helped me over time.
What principles have guided you on your journey so far?
Among many other things, l also believe in helping others to attain their desired goals. l believe it is in helping others to get to the top that l also find myself at the top. These are what l believe strongly in; helping the upcoming ones to fulfill their dreams. And that is what we do at the city of talents; taking people off the streets and helping them.
You also are the first Ph.D. product from the Theatre and Media Arts Department of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, FUOYE; how do you feel about it?
It has renewed a sense of purpose and we should not forget that an attainment of greatness brings more attention and more responsibilities. I happened to be the first Ph.D. candidate to defend in that department. l look forward to giving back to society and making those coming after us achieve what they intend to achieve.
My main goal is to make sure that as many people as are talented and intend to go to school, get help to go to school. So, when people come around me at the film village, l coach them, empower them, and encourage them to proceed to the university to pursue their dreams academically even after getting their diploma.
What new work are you working on now and when will it be released?
Olorun Merinlokan (Quadrinity). That is the first cinema project I just engaged in after the defence of my PhD. You know, for some time, I have not had much time. And then ‘Digital Tongues’ on my YouTube channel, Oreofe Williams Awojesu. Another one is the ‘Sky Below the Sea’. These are works that we have been able to put together for our audience across the world.
The ‘Sky Below the Sea’ is a story about a pastor and how he runs his church. ‘Digital Tongues’ is talking about educating the younger generation about our history. That TV series has run for over a year, and it is also on the local television. Same thing with the ‘Sky Below the Sea’.
Olorun Merinlokan, is a new cinema project coming out during the Easter festive season. It is an exciting ensemble of projects helping also to reach out to the audience.
You were also the pioneer provost of TAMPAN, and it is being said in some quarters that you were given a huge sum of money while you served in that capacity…
By the grace of God, l had the opportunity to serve as provost of TAMPAN Academy because l was asked by the president of TAMPAN to come and help the academy. He came to our film academy and he saw what we were doing and he wanted me to come and replicate it in TAMPAN, which I also embraced with honour.
I never collected a dime for anything done for TAMPAN. I love giving back to the society. l believe that it is not about what you take. Maybe we call this side talk, you know some people just think that whatever we do, we do because of money. I went there for one year and they are interesting students.
For one year, we were doing it and, sometimes, l had to fuel my car all through even when the price of fuel got up. l sponsored the young ones among them.
I want to acknowledge, very immensely, the HoD of Theatre Arts in UNIOSUN, Dr Sesan Akinwunmi, who always comes to help us without taking a dime.
Would you say that this was what gave you leverage to feature secular actors in your works?
No. I have had a cordial relationship with many actors before now, and it has been very fruitful. They are too numerous to mention. I have featured many popular actors in our movies, and they have proved that they are great thespians.
But you have been accused of featuring secular actors in faith-based films. How do you feel about this?
I don’t see this as an accusation. Truth be told, I don’t prioritise religion in my work. I am particular about good delivery and taste. I am not sentimental. God has sent me on a mission that is unique and impactful to the younger generation. So, I don’t see any hearsay or accusation as a big deal.
We need to realise that these set of people are professionals in their right. They have their religion as well, and they don’t mix profession with religions to educate, and entertain us as thespians. As for me, I am particular about professionalism and quality. Many of them are even Christians and even those that are not I have been able to give them a feel of what is right in the face of God.
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