O-Fresh, a filmmaker based in Ibadan, Nigeria, has built his filmmaking journey around a passion for storytelling, faith, and social impact using smartphones. 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.
Our team at Nigeria Magazine was privileged to interview him in Ibadan where he shared his journey with us.
He began his filmmaking journey in 2014 and took a major step forward in 2017 when he decided to try something new.
A few months before then, he had invested heavily in a commercial movie using traditional filmmaking equipment, hoping that the movie 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 at that time 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 the camera on a mobile device, he began his research, he eventually found very few filmmakers who also used phones to create movies. He also researched into how different phones worked, their pros and cons, and explored other equipments and accessories that could support his newly found filmmaking style.
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 O-Fresh faced was getting people in the Nollywood 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 in anyway.
A producer once said and he quoted that “ why would I gather tens of professional crew members to use a phone as the camera of shoot”
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 has its own limitations, so also is filmmaking with traditional cameras. He also added by saying the average viewer wouldn’t always know the difference between a well-produced phone-shot movie and one filmed with the traditional 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 but 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, O-Fresh’s goal has been to use his movies to reach people with meaningful messages. He also uses it to create a Godly environment through which people can have fun outside of church walls for free.
He premieres at least one film yearly, particularly during festive periods, to ensure that more people can access and enjoy them.
He explained that he waits for inspiration from 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 encountered 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 countenance after gathering together to watch his movies during the holidays. For him, moments like that demonstrate the impact that filmmaking can have beyond entertainment.
His Latest Movie: A Trip for All of Us
O-Fresh recently released his latest movie, A Trip for All of Us, continuing his commitment to using storytelling to communicate meaningful/impactful 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, O-Fresh 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, O-Fresh 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 his interview with us.
