Seyi Babatope: From Student to Nollywood Filmmaker Pushing Boundaries

Nollywood filmmaker Seyi Babatope is making waves in the Nigerian film industry, earning recognition as a film director, screenwriter, and part-time cinematographer. His journey from a wide-eyed student at California State University, Northridge, to a filmmaker with nine feature films under his belt is nothing short of inspiring. Today, Babatope’s latest work, the dramatic series Kabiyesi, is streaming on Showmax, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Laying the Groundwork for Success

Seyi credits his early career experiences for setting the stage for his success. “It’s a very long story,” he reflects. His internship at Quentin Tarantino’s company, Banda Parts, and later at RSA USA with Andrew D’Ossomoo provided invaluable exposure and experience. “My first feature film is When Love Happens,” Babatope recalls, emphasizing that every project since then has been a stepping stone toward where he is now.

For Seyi, filmmaking is about much more than just turning scripts into movies. It’s about weaving together culture, history, and storytelling in a way that feels both fresh and vibrant. He is passionate about portraying the depth and richness of Yoruba culture, saying, “I see the intersection of cultural identity and the sophistication of Yoruba culture as something that should be presented beautifully and dramatically. We are not one-dimensional; we are people with serious thoughts and a rich past.”

Kabiyesi: A Poetic License on History

When discussing his latest project, Kabiyesi, Seyi is candid about his approach. “This is my poetic license on a slice of historical fact,” he shares. While staying true to the authenticity of the era in terms of architecture, costume design, and photography, Seyi stresses that Kabiyesi is ultimately a dramatic presentation meant to capture the true human experience. His creative process embraces both history and artistry, aiming to bring a unique narrative to life on screen.

Filmmaking, as Seyi notes, is never without challenges. He acknowledges the difficulties of the craft but credits his success to the incredible talent he has had the privilege of working with. “Making a movie is hard, no matter what,” he admits. “I was lucky to work with incredibly gifted people who gave their all.” The project, which spans over 10 hours of content, also marked a significant evolution in his personal journey as a filmmaker. He reflects on his growth from an anxious filmmaker wondering, “Can I make a film?” to a confident storyteller who now views the landscape as a much larger playing field.

Optimism for Nollywood’s Future

Looking at the current state of Nollywood, Seyi is optimistic. “I hope the future is bright,” he says. Since 2014, the industry has seen more investment, the rise of platforms like Showmax, and a notable increase in production quality. He acknowledges that Nollywood has historically had a tendency to create films with little regard for consequence, but believes that by focusing on quality, the industry can truly change the game.

Seyi is also excited about the potential for Nigerian talent to make waves globally, pointing to projects like Children of Blood and Bone as a sign of what’s to come. “I’d love to see more projects that start here in Nigeria, telling our stories with our own creative vision,” he asserts, emphasizing the importance of telling African stories from an authentic perspective.

Breaking Free from Conventions

A key moment in the making of Kabiyesi was the casting process, where Seyi was given the freedom to cast talent based on merit rather than fame. He credits the confidence instilled in him by the Showmax team, who encouraged him to cast the best talent without being confined to the usual stars. “They said I didn’t have to cast famous people, and that unshackled me,” he explains. “It opened my eyes to what was truly possible.”

With a refreshing blend of honesty and humor, Seyi’s story is a reminder that in Nollywood’s ever-evolving landscape, it’s the passion for storytelling and the willingness to break free from conventions that truly drive success. As Seyi Babatope continues to make his mark on the Nigerian film industry, his journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring filmmakers eager to tell their own stories with authenticity and creativity.