Prolific Nollywood actor, movie producer and director, Femi Adebayo recently released his highly anticipated limited Netflix series, ‘Seven doors’ to critical acclaim. The series, now the topping the charts on the streaming platform, has been rated highly across audiences as one of the best works from the celebrated actor. He recently sat with select entertainment editors to discuss his motives and experience shooting the body of work. ROTIMI IGE brings excerpts from the interaction.
What inspired the script ‘Seven Doors’, and how challenging was it to interpret?
The inspiration for ‘Seven Doors’ stemmed from my desire to tell culturally grounded stories with universal appeal. The concept was sparked by a conversation I had with someone in a position of influence, which led to weaving this fictional yet thought-provoking narrative. Interpreting 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 movie explore, and why do they resonate with audiences?
‘Seven Doors’ delves into themes of redemption, courage, politics and the profound consequences of choices. These are universal and deeply personal themes that resonate with people from all walks of life. Everyone faces challenges and crossroads in their journey, and the film reflects the power of decisions in shaping one’s destiny.
This marks your directorial debut. What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from producing this series?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is the power of collaboration. Filmmaking is a collective effort, and trusting and inspiring your team is essential for 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 impact the industry?
I’m optimistic about the streaming numbers because ‘Seven Doors’ offers something fresh and unique to viewers. Healthy competition is invaluable for the industry, it challenges us all to elevate our creativity and production standards. Ultimately, the audience wins, as they get to enjoy a broader range of high-quality content.
How do you balance creative vision with practical constraints like budget and resources?
It’s always a delicate balance, but I prioritise elements that genuinely serve the story. Constraints can often spark creativity, as they push you to find innovative solutions. Tough decisions are part of the process, but the goal is to ensure that 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 bridge 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 with streaming platforms decommissioning indigenous projects?
Managing risks requires strategic planning and diversifying funding sources. I often finance my projects independently before approaching investors, which gives me greater creative freedom. Additionally, I focus on crafting stories with both local and international appeal, making them viable across multiple markets. It’s always ideal if you have the means to self-fund your project, as it grants you the freedom to work with the people you truly believe will elevate the work. However, it comes with its risks. In my experience, when actors fully invest themselves in a project, it creates a give-and-take dynamic that ultimately makes the process smoother. Speaking of synergy, I recall a particularly powerful scene where I was able to let go of everything weighing on me, and just sit with my wife, Chioma. That moment was captured in one take pure energy and emotion, perfectly in sync.
How does Nollywood contribute to Nigeria’s economy, and what changes can maximise 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 maximise its impact, we need improved 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 industry cliques are a stumbling block for Nollywood, especially in the Yoruba sector. Yet, you assembled a diverse cast for this project. How did you achieve this, and have you faced challenges from clique dynamics?
Bringing together 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 do exist, I choose to remain neutral and focus on fostering inclusivity and opportunity for everyone involved.
What’s next for you? Aside from Jagun Jagun 2, what should fans expect?
Fans can expect more groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of storytelling. My focus remains on exploring diverse narratives that resonate globally while staying 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 in awe of your progress, how do you feel about carrying the family legacy forward?
For me, the ultimate prayer is that my children make me proud. Honestly, I never imagined I would come this far, but I’ve always known that 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 the creative sense, but perhaps because the platforms aligned with our capacity. Another challenge is the language barrier; not all of our languages have the same universality on the global stage.
I often get asked why I predominantly do Yoruba films, especially since I am fluent in English. The answer is simple; I grew up hearing my father speak Yoruba in his acting. I developed a deep love for the language, especially the proverbs and adages, 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 shy 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 acceptance from the audience taught me a valuable lesson: when you package your culture with authenticity and respect, it resonates universally.
This realisation set me on the path to exploring new horizons. As I told Chioma, I’m producing more english films now, with a goal to prove I can do it and not be boxed 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’ve been doing just that. The success of my first project has fueled the drive for the others.
Government reforms and policies often impact the creative landscape, sometimes even conflicting with filmmakers’ visions. Additionally, there has been growing concern about the quality of content being uploaded to platforms like YouTube, with many filmmakers misusing the platform. If, for instance, Netflix were to cease operations in Nigeria tomorrow, what would be the fate of Nigerian content consumers?
Government policies and reforms certainly shape the creative environment, and at times, these can clash with the filmmaker’s narrative. While regulations are necessary for maintaining structure and protecting cultural integrity, they can sometimes restrict the free-flowing nature of creative expression. As filmmakers, we must remain agile, navigating these frameworks while still telling stories that speak to the heart of the audience. It’s about finding a balance and ensuring that the message is not lost amid bureaucratic limitations.
When it comes to platforms like YouTube, while the democratisation of content creation is a double-edged sword, the quality of content is an area where filmmakers need to take more responsibility. With easy access to such vast audiences, there is an increasing amount of sub-par content being posted. But rather than blaming the platform, the onus is on us as creators to ensure that 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’s certainly a challenge, but it wouldn’t spell the end of Nigerian content consumption. The Nigerian film industry is robust, having thrived for decades through local cinemas, regional TV channels, and now a growing number of indigenous streaming platforms. The absence of a global player like Netflix might create a gap, but it would also open up opportunities for local players to rise and innovate. Filmmakers will need to be more strategic in their distribution, tapping into 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 sustaining 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 dedicated, loyal audience. The future remains bright if we remain committed to excellence and innovation.
Read Also: Femi Adebayo makes directorial debut with ‘Seven Doors’
How easy was it for you to move from ‘Jagun Jagun’ to ‘Seven Doors’?
It was easy to move from ‘Jagun Jagun’. As a producer, the key is to define the genre of each project. ‘Jagun Jagun’ is a war/action film, while ‘Seven Doors’ is a love story mixed with tradition. The scripts are completely different, so the focus shifts to interpreting the current script without dwelling on past projects.
How challenging was it to conceptualise the story and interpret it, especially with your wife and children in the movie?
I conceptualise my stories and work with a team to develop them. For ‘Seven Doors’, my team initially rejected the idea, feeling it might harm my brand, but I insisted because I wanted to try something vintage. My wife and the children in the film bonded immediately, which made interpreting the roles seamless.
How do you feel about social media feedback, where people are renaming the movie?
I feel excited about the reviews. I prefer non-suggestive titles that spark curiosity without giving too much away. The title ‘Seven Doors’ represents women respectfully, drawing from Yoruba tradition, where knocking on a door signifies seeking entry into a woman’s space.
