‘Shijuwomi Has Been In The Works For Over 2 Decades’- Awala

Filmmaker Bayo Awala has revealed that it took two decades to complete work on the post colonial adaptation titled Shijuwomi.

“This project has been in the works for over two decades. I have always being fascinated with this story since I first directed it on stage in 1969. Its thematic relevance, the tempo-spatial canvass against which the narrative plays out and an opportunity to increase the volume of works adapted from our rich literary traditions are some of the reasons why we have decided to showcase this piece,” Awala said.

Awala, one of the men behind the movie project is neither new to adaptations nor directing. As a filmmaker, he acquired a lot of experience at the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, where he directed such successful drama series as Village Headmaster, as well as independently produced series such as Winds against My Soul, Adio Family, By the Road Side, The Turning Wheel, The Young Ones, Jagua Nana’s Daughter, Tight Rope, Trauma and Doctors Quarters.

Emotive, intriguing and thrilling, Shijowumi is riddled with love and conflict from start to finish. It is a cerebral metaphor for Nigeria as a nation state and many African countries whose dreams of Utopia after freedom from colonial powers have all but evaporated, leaving behind hopelessness and frustration.

The adaptation features thespians like Judith Audu as the titular Shijuwomi, veteran actors, Ayo Lijadu and Bimbo Manuel, and a host of other acting talent, including Femi Adebayo, Olu Okekanye, Tina Mba and Jude Chukwuka.