The premiere of Bridging the Gap, directed by Oluwatamilore ‘Tamilore’ Adeshiyan, was a resounding success. The event celebrated the debut of a thought-provoking film that delves into the generational divides, social justice or injustices, and unity within Nigeria. The premiere not only sold out both planned slots (2 PM and 4:30 PM) but also necessitated the addition of a 6 PM screening to accommodate the overflow of attendees.
The event drew a diverse audience of film enthusiasts, industry professionals, academics, and members of the general public, all eager to experience a film that had already earned selections from 4 international festivals. What made the premiere even more remarkable was the diversity of the audience. Attendees included guests from the United States, Brazil, Colombia, the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa, alongside a strong Nigerian contingent. This level of international appeal is a testament to the film’s ability to transcend cultural boundaries and resonate deeply with audiences from different demographics. Their feedback reinforced the belief that Bridging the Gap is not just a local story—it is one that has the potential to resonate and thrive on the global stage.
Background on the Film and the Filmmaker
Bridging the Gap is a story that resonates deeply with Nigerian audiences and beyond. The film explores the challenges of navigating generational divides in a rapidly evolving society. Centered on the nuanced conversations between Nedu, a young, physically impaired activist, and Officer Danjuma, a middle-aged police officer, the film presents a balanced discourse on themes of corruption, social justice, and shared aspirations for a better Nigeria. It provides no easy answers but instead invites viewers to reflect on the commonalities that unite Nigerians across all walks of life.
The film stands as a testament to the importance of independent filmmaking in Nigeria. Without the constraints of commercial demands, the team behind Bridging the Gap was able to tell a story rooted in authenticity and cultural relevance. Independent films like this play a critical role in elevating African storytelling, creating space for nuanced narratives that challenge stereotypes and celebrate diversity.
The film’s director, Oluwatamilore Adeshiyan, is a rising star in the Nigerian film industry. A graduate of Pan-Atlantic University’s prestigious Master’s in Film Production program, Tamilore has over a decade of experience as a freelance cinematographer and photographer. Known for his stunning aerial shots and his ability to capture Lagos’s vibrant energy, Tamilore has a growing reputation as a visual storyteller who bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary narratives. His work has been recognized at international festivals, including Bridging the Gap’s acceptance into the Ahmedabad Film Festival, the London Lift-Off Film Festival and the Zuma International Film Festival in Abuja.
Tamilore credits his academic journey, from undergraduate to postgraduate studies, with shaping his understanding of Nigerian storytelling. He also acknowledges the role of collaboration, with much of his cast and crew being Pan-Atlantic University alumni.
Highlights
- Audience Turnout and Engagement
- Sold-Out Attendance: All ticketed slots were fully booked, and an additional screening was added to ensure every guest experienced the film.
- Diverse Audience: The audience included young professionals, older generations, and even international attendees, reflecting the film’s broad appeal and relevance.
- Emotional Connection: Panel discussions after each screening revealed deep emotional resonance, with attendees sharing personal reflections on the film’s themes.
- Panel Discussions
- Moderated by Wura Kolawole (first runner up, Miss Nigeria USA, 2015), the discussions featured director Oluwatamilore Adeshiyan, Eriifeoluwa, Olurin, the co-director, and Ometomobor Odu, one of the actors.
- Attendees praised the film’s authentic storytelling and visual artistry, sparking conversations about the importance of collaboration and cultural preservation.
- Representatives from Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) spoke on the institution’s role in fostering creative excellence, with much of the film’s cast and crew being PAU alumni.
- Key Announcements
- An upcoming launch of the Deshiy Studios website (deshiystudios.com) was teased during the event, generating anticipation for the studio’s portfolio and services.
- Attendees were encouraged to follow the director’s journey on YouTube and social media for behind-the-scenes content and updates on future projects.
- Media and Publicity
- A highlight video capturing the premiere’s essence was produced, featuring audience reactions, panel discussions, and key moments.
- Photos and videos from the event garnered online engagement.
Achievements
- International Recognition: The film has already been accepted into three international film festivals, including the Zuma International Film Festival, Ahmedabad Film Festival and the London Lift-Off Film Festival.
- Community Impact: The premiere highlighted the role of collaboration, with the director emphasizing the collective effort behind the film’s success.
- Positive Feedback: Attendees described the film as “moving,” “timely,” and “a must-watch,” with many asking about potential sequels or future projects.
Future Prospects
The overwhelming success of the premiere has set the stage for:
- Increased Visibility: Partnerships with media outlets and content creators to amplify the film’s reach.
- Collaborations: Opportunities to work with organizations committed to supporting African storytelling.
- Sponsorship Potential: Future events can include larger venues, expanded programming, and enhanced audience experiences with sponsor support.
Event Statistics
- Total Attendance: 250+ across three screenings.
- Panel Discussions: 3 sessions, with over 30 audience questions.
- Social Media Engagement:
- Instagram and YouTube posts generated significant buzz.
- Media Coverage: Pre-event radio interview, live social media coverage, and post-event reviews.
Testimonial Highlights
- “A powerful story told with such heart and precision. This is what Nigerian cinema needs more of!” – Attendee
- “The generational discourse was not just a conversation; it was a mirror held up to society.” – Panel participant
- “Collaboration and storytelling at its finest. Can’t wait to see what’s next from Deshiy Studios!” – PAU representative
Next Steps
- Launch the Deshiy Studios website to showcase the film’s journey, the studio’s portfolio, and booking options.
- Submit Bridging the Gap to additional film festivals and platforms for wider distribution.
- Plan follow-up events or screenings to capitalize on the momentum generated by the premiere.
- Future film projects in development.
Sponsorship Opportunities
To take this success further, Deshiy Studios seeks partnerships to:
- Expand Accessibility: Host screenings in other cities or offer digital access.
- Enhance Production: Secure resources for future projects and large-scale storytelling.
- Support Innovation: Create more platforms for emerging Nigerian filmmakers.
For more information or partnership inquiries, please contact:
Tamilore Adeshiyan
t.deshiy@gmail.com
