PARIS OLYMPIC GAMES
For Nollywood director Bukola Ogunsola, the journey to her latest cinema release, Something About the Briggs, wasn’t just about filmmaking—it was a test of perseverance and sacrifice.
Speaking about the project, she recalled, saying “Over the course of five years, I poured my life into the ambitious project, losing out on opportunities, navigating funding nightmares, and sacrificing personal milestones to bring this vision to life.”
“It took five years of my life,” Ogunsola revealed during the press screening of her film, set to premiere on January 31, 2025.
“And during that time, I couldn’t work on anything else. The funding challenges alone were enough to make anyone quit.”
Ogunsola described the process as an uphill battle, one where she constantly had to choose between her commitment to the story and other pressing personal and professional aspirations.
“There were moments I thought this film would never see the light of day,” she admitted. “I turned down other projects, put my own life on hold, and pushed forward with sheer determination. That kind of focus costs you in ways you don’t anticipate.”
One of the biggest hurdles was securing funding. Despite Nollywood’s growing prominence, financial backing for films of this scale remains a formidable challenge.
Ogunsola detailed how she faced repeated rejections and dwindling resources but refused to abandon the project.
“I believed in the story,” she said. “I knew it was one worth telling, no matter how long it took. But there were times I genuinely questioned if the sacrifices were too much. Five years is a long time to put your life on pause.”
Beyond the financial strain, Ogunsola also had to rely heavily on the goodwill of her team.
One standout figure was the film’s director of photography (DOP), KC, who stepped up as the editor when funds ran dry.
“KC wasn’t just the DOP; he became the backbone of this project,” Ogunsola shared. “And he did it all for free. That kind of dedication is rare in this industry.”
While Something About the Briggs is already generating buzz among industry insiders, Ogunsola’s journey highlights the often-unseen struggles behind Nollywood’s cinematic successes.
The pressure of working without guarantees, coupled with the sacrifices made by her and her team, underscores the reality of independent filmmaking in Nigeria.
Ogunsola also spoke candidly about the personal toll the project took on her.
“I missed moments with family, had to put other dreams on hold, and faced isolation at times. But standing here today, I know it was worth it,” she said with a sense of fulfillment.
As the January 31 premiere draws closer, Ogunsola is finally seeing the fruits of her labor.
She described the finished project as a triumph over doubt and delay.
“Every delay, every challenge—it all feels worth it now. I hope audiences see the heart and sacrifice that went into this film,” she concluded.
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