By Eva Irewole
Ace filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, is set to thrill audiences with another movie as he goes on location for the shoot of ‘Ijongbon’.
The film is yet another Netflix original and is coming on the heels of the phenomenally successful ‘Anikulapo’, which was decorated as the most-watched Netflix film of 2022 in Nigeria.
Afolayan has returned to his sprawling resort cum film location in the north of Oyo State, the same place where he shot Anikulapo, for the production of this latest movie.
For ‘Ijongbon’, which literally translates as ‘trouble’, he is banking on a star-studded cast that includes his gifted brother, Gabriel Afolayan; Bimbo Manuel, Adunni Ade and Dorathy Bachor of the Big Brother Naija fame.
Others on set are respected thespian and scholar, Sam Dede; Tana Adelana, Yemi Solade, Yemi Sodimu, Femi Branch, Funky Mallam, and a host of young actors that including Ruby Akubueze, Ojuolape Kayode, Fawaz of Ikorodu Bois, as well as Oluwaseyi Ebiesuwa.
Written by Afolayan’s long-time ally, Tunde Babalola, the script tells the story of a coming-of-age family adventure about four teenagers (three boys and one girl) from a rural village in southwest Nigeria who stumble on a bag full of diamonds and conceal it, much to their regret.
Afolayan says the film will explore “the universality of human emotions, defined by peculiar cultural backgrounds and beliefs.” The film will also depict what life looks like for teenagers in rural areas and their aspirations for a better life, even if it considers seeking greener pastures abroad.
