In a recent LinkedIn post, Femi Odugbemi, a distinguished storyteller, filmmaker, and content producer, shared an exciting milestone in his illustrious career. Odugbemi, who is a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) and a member of the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (IATAS), announced the special screening of a feature film adaptation of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka’s prison memoir. This project, over two years in the making, is a collaboration between Odugbemi’s team at Zuri24media and a talented group of creatives, including writer Bode Asiyanbi and director Awam Amkpa.
The film, produced by Odugbemi, was unveiled to an exclusive audience in an event that also served as an industry salute to Soyinka’s 90th birthday, celebrated on July 13th. The timing of the screening underscores the profound respect and admiration Odugbemi and his team have for Soyinka, an iconic figure in literature and human rights advocacy.
Wole Soyinka, a Nigerian playwright, poet, and essayist, is renowned for his relentless pursuit of justice and his profound impact on literature and political activism. In 1986, he became the first African laureate to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, recognized for his rich and complex works that convey a deeply humanistic vision. Soyinka’s prison memoir, the basis of this new film, offers a gripping account of his incarceration during Nigeria’s civil war, shedding light on his experiences and his unwavering commitment to freedom and human dignity.
The film adaptation aims to bring Soyinka’s powerful narrative to a broader audience, highlighting themes of justice, equity, human rights, and political freedom. Through this cinematic endeavor, Odugbemi and his team hope to inspire viewers globally, continuing Soyinka’s legacy of using art to challenge societal norms and advocate for change.
For Odugbemi, this project is more than just a film; it is a personal homage to a mentor and a celebration of an artist whose work has profoundly influenced his own career. Reflecting on his journey, Odugbemi recalls his tenure as President of the Independent Television Producers Association of Nigeria (ITPAN) in 2006, when Soyinka chaired a creative forum on African cinema. This early interaction with Soyinka’s visionary ideas set the stage for Odugbemi’s own contributions to the industry.
As the film makes its way to broader audiences, it promises to be a significant cultural and artistic achievement. Through meticulous storytelling and a deep respect for the source material, Odugbemi and his team have crafted a tribute that honors Wole Soyinka’s enduring impact on literature and human rights.
For more information about the film and to follow its journey, visit this website