By Milcah Tanimu
Isioma Osaje, a prominent talent manager in Nollywood, makes her directorial debut with ‘Japa’, a sci-fi comedy film that is set to premiere on Prime Video today.
In an interview with BusinessDay, Osaje discussed the challenges and rewards of creating a comedy film with elements of science fiction. The film, part of an output deal Inkblot Productions has with Amazon Prime, showcases her aspirations for the future of Nollywood.
‘Japa’ follows the story of a young schoolteacher planning to leave Nigeria, hence the film’s title, which is Nigerian slang for migrating abroad in search of better opportunities.
Osaje revealed her fascination with time loop films, which inspired her to write the script before collaborating with Inkblots on a similar project. She expressed excitement about directing and co-producing the film, aiming to infuse her ideas into the production.
Given its genre, ‘Japa’ will be released directly to the streaming platform to ensure easy access for viewers. This decision aligns with Inkblots’ output deal with Prime Video.
The film explores the phenomenon of migration in Nigeria, making it relatable to Nigerian audiences. Osaje hopes the movie resonates with its target audience and sheds light on societal issues.
Despite being her directorial debut, Osaje found directing ‘Japa’ to be a seamless process due to her prior experience as a producer and assistant director. The main challenge lay in maintaining continuity throughout the time loop narrative.
‘Japa’ required a substantial budget due to its scale, with significant expenses allocated to locations, extras, and cast members. Despite budget constraints, the collaborative efforts of the crew and cast ensured the film’s success.
Looking ahead, Osaje anticipates the release of another film, ‘Radio Voice’, produced under Richard Mofe Damijo’s production company. She also teased upcoming projects in development, including a feature film and a series.
Osaje’s love for Nollywood dates back to her childhood, drawing inspiration from industry veterans like Genevieve Nnaji. She envisions a future for Nollywood where new voices are encouraged to tell diverse stories, fostering growth and sustainability within the industry.