As part of his partnership deal with Netflix, ace Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has released a new film Ijogbon. Starring Ruby Akubueze (Oby), Kayode Ojuolape Jr. (Jamiu), Fawaz Aina (Omooba), and Oluwaseyi Ebiesuwa (Ranti) in the lead roles as four teenagers, the story focuses on how these teenagers from a rural settlement stumble on some uncut diamonds which puts them into trouble as their normal lives are threatened.
Also part of the cast list are Yemi Sodimu (Principal), Yemi Solade (Chief Owonifaari), Bimbo Manuel (Kabiyesi), Femi Branch (Banjo), Sam Dede (Rev. Sangodoyin), Gabriel Afolayan (Broda Kasali), Funky Mallam (Kafachan), Femi Adebayo (Head of Amotekun), Adunni Ade (Chidera), Bolaji Amusan (Alabi) and Tana Adelana (Mama Oby).
Written by Tunde Babalola with cinematography credits to Adekunle “Nodash” Adejuyigbe, Ijogbon is Kunle Afolayan’s latest film following the release of his 2022 fantasy drama Anikulapo. The filmmaker-director is previously associated with October 1, Swallow, The Figurine, Citation, The Bridge, A Naija Christmas, The CEO, all of which have appeared on Netflix. Afolayan’s Ijogbon was shot at the KAP Film Village and Resort, Oyo State.
The Netflix film premiered late in the evening at IMAX Cinema, Lekki Peninsula II on October 12th, as the venue was graced by the cast and crew. Also in attendance were friends and well-wishers of the filmmaker, including actress Aisha Lawal who recently starred in Femi Adebayo’s Jagun Jagun, multi-award-winning presenter and comedian Gbenga Adeyinka, rising actor and model Emeka Nwagbaraocha (Far From Home, House of Secrets), comedian and skit maker Taaooma, and veteran actress Sola Sobowale known for her prominent role in King of Boys.
Commending the commitment of the entire team to the project, Kunle Afolayan said: “Quite a number of the cast were meant to appear on one or two scenes, but for some reason everyone stayed on set throughout the shoot. We were staying in an incomplete building because the hotel wasn’t ready, but it was all so fun”.
While delivering his vote of thanks at the premiere, the filmmaker called out the entire cast and crew on the project and also extended special gratitude to other supporters and friends, including the General Manager of Golden Effects Pictures Segun Akintunde and his students whom he considered “the future filmmakers”. According to the filmmaker, “on every project, we have a minimum of ten [of these students]”.
Ijogbon is currently available on Netflix. Catch the trailer here.