Ofresh, a filmmaker based in Ibadan, Nigeria, has built his filmmaking journey around a passion for storytelling, faith, and social impact. His journey into filmmaking was driven by a desire to use storytelling to address social issues and communicate messages that align with the teachings of the Word of God.
He began his filmmaking journey in 2014 and took a major step forward in 2017 when he decided to try something new.
At the time, he had invested in professional filmmaking equipment, hoping that the movies he produced would generate enough income to sustain his work. However, when the film was released, the expected financial returns did not come. The economic situation in Nigeria further complicated matters and eventually left him in debt.
It was during this challenging period that he said he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to make use of what he already had. That inspiration led him to begin filmmaking with an iPhone 5.
Determined to understand what was possible with a mobile device, he researched filmmakers who used phones to create movies. He also studied how young people were using mobile devices for broadcasting and content creation. He visited gadget stores, researched different phones, and explored the features that could support filmmaking.
His efforts eventually paid off, and he shot his first movie with a phone in 2017.
The Challenges of Phone-Based Filmmaking
One of the biggest challenges Ofresh faced was getting people in the commercial film industry to accept movies shot with a phone. Many people initially rejected the idea because they did not consider phone-based filmmaking to be professional enough.
However, he believed that the quality of a story should not be determined solely by the equipment used to produce it. He noted that, although filmmaking with a phone had certain limitations, the average viewer could not always differentiate between a well-produced phone-shot movie and one filmed with professional cameras.
His experience reinforced his belief that aspiring filmmakers should not wait until they could afford expensive equipment before starting.
“You can start from where you are and with what you have. Don’t stop; keep improving,” was the message behind his approach to filmmaking.
Rather than allowing limited resources to stop him, he focused on learning, improving his craft, and making the most of the equipment available to him.
Using Film to Reach People
Beyond filmmaking itself, Ofresh’s goal has been to use his movies to reach people with meaningful messages. He often premieres his movies for free, particularly during festive periods, to ensure that more people can access and enjoy them.
He explained that he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to bring messages that people genuinely needed. Through his films, he hopes to communicate his faith and remind people that God is real.
However, funding remains one of the major challenges involved in producing movies. Despite the financial difficulties, he has continued to pursue his passion and find creative ways to share his work with audiences.
One of his most rewarding experiences, he said, was seeing people happy after gathering together to watch his movies in Ibadan. For him, moments like these demonstrate the impact that filmmaking can have beyond entertainment.
His Latest Movie: A Trip for All of Us
Ofresh recently released his latest movie, A Trip for All of Us, continuing his commitment to using storytelling to communicate meaningful messages.
The movie is available to watch on his YouTube page.
Watch A Trip for All of Us on YouTube
Advice to Aspiring Filmmakers
Speaking to young people who are passionate about filmmaking, Ofresh encouraged them to acquire the right knowledge, develop their skills, and remain committed to continuous growth.
His journey demonstrates that expensive equipment is not necessarily a prerequisite for starting a career in filmmaking. With creativity, knowledge, determination, and the willingness to learn, aspiring filmmakers can begin with what they have and improve along the way.
Looking ahead, Ofresh is preparing for another major milestone in his filmmaking journey: producing his first cinema movie by December this year.
His story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, faith, and resourcefulness; and a reminder that sometimes, the journey to achieving a dream begins with simply using what is already in your hands.
Stay tuned for the video of our interview session with Ofresh💪
