The Genius Behind the Screen [GBS]: An Exclusive Interview with Desmond Ebuwa Ekunwe
In a world where stories can enthrall and motivate, film producers are essential to making these tales come to life. Desmond Ebuwa Ekunwe has become a major player in the film industry thanks to his talent spotting, love of storytelling, and ability to handle the intricacies of the business.
With a roughly ten-year career and a portfolio that includes the critically acclaimed short Delectable Azeezah Sama, Ebuwa has continuously pushed the limits of what is conceivable on screen. His productions, which range from drama to magical realism, have impressed audiences all over the world and garnered praise from critics, multiple accolades, and nominations.
AfroFilm Herald Times speaks with Desmond Ebuwa Ekunwe in this exclusive interview about his career, his creative process, and the direction of filmmaking. Ekuwe provides a unique glimpse into the world of film production by sharing his knowledge, experiences, and insights on everything from the difficulties of making a project a reality to the excitement of seeing a story come to life on screen.
What drives your passion for storytelling, and how do you stay inspired to bring new and innovative ideas to the screen?
I moved to Lagos in 2016, and since then, I’ve been telling stories in one way or another. Initially, my storytelling took the form of working in media, specifically radio and television. However, everything changed in 2021 when I decided to shift to filmmaking, focusing on real-life people and experiences.
Every day, I’m inspired to create new and deserving stories within the Nigerian context to share with the world. Despite the Nigerian film industry being the second-largest by releases, there are still countless untold stories about the many diverse people from here.
I draw inspiration from my mother’s journey in the corporate world and her resilience. I also want to explore the often strained and toxic relationships between fathers and sons, and how many people of my generation aspire to break those cycles and do better with their own children.
The need to tell these stories fuels me every day, it’s all I think about and talk about until the films are made.
Can you take us behind the scenes of one of your most memorable productions? What were some of the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
In November 2023, I produced the film Grown, a commissioned story by the Multichoice Talent Factory for Africa Magic and Showmax. We had a capped budget of $12,000. I was entrusted with a highly ambitious story, backed by a passionate team and a network excited about the possibilities of what we could create. I was thrilled to bring it to life.
However, as we progressed, the economic challenges and our commitment to delivering specific quality and details made it feel like we had taken on more than we could handle, especially within the constraints of the budget. Despite this, we found a way to make it work. We made countless calls to friends for partnerships, sold the ambition of the project to the actors and crew, and rallied support.
True to the film’s tagline, “Be careful what you wish for,” we wished to create a big film, and we did. The result? Grown was nominated for an AMVCA.
This experience taught me that as a producer, having a community of supportive friends and collaborators is invaluable.
How do you see the film industry evolving in the next 5-10 years, and what role do you think independent producers will play in shaping its future?
I think every filmmaker in Nigeria is scared, and so are investors. However, I believe Nollywood is in a pivotal position to create bigger films and expand its distribution channels. One area we need to explore more is community cinemas as a viable business model. Additionally, we’re likely to see more studios collaborating on big-budget single productions.
I’m particularly excited about a new distribution platform called Circuits. We’ve also seen bold moves from Nile with global releases like Everybody Loves Jenifa and The Waiter, as well as the co-distribution deals between Silverbird and Genesis. These are clear signs that Nollywood is evolving and recognizing that the film business is, indeed, a business.
In the next 5–10 years, I believe Nigerian films will gain even greater international acceptance, becoming more popular and cementing their place on the global stage.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned throughout your career as a film producer, and how has it impacted your approach to your work?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that a happy crew creates a beautiful film. I always say that The Delectable Azeezah Sama is my favorite project—not because it was a festival favorite, won numerous awards, and earned multiple nominations, but because the process of making it was so seamless. It felt like everyone on the team shared the same stake in the film.
It was effortless in the best way possible! That’s exactly how I want to make films: tackling the tough work, but doing so collaboratively and with excitement.
How do you balance the creative and business aspects of film production? Are there any specific strategies or philosophies that guide your decision-making process?
Both are important. I believe honesty with yourself and effective communication can resolve any conflict between the two. Sometimes, you have to sacrifice camera quality for the sake of the actors, and other times, you rely on your interpersonal skills to strike a balance and make both work.
Can you tell us about a project that you’re particularly excited about right now? What drew you to the story, and what do you hope audiences will take away from it?
If you spend even 30 minutes with me, you’re bound to hear about the film Of Apples and Trees. In many ways, it reflects my relationship with my father—how he showed up for me in his own way and how we eventually realized that we are two different people with separate ambitions.
This film is deeply significant as it tells the universal story of fathers and sons, explores the disinheritance of women in some Nigerian cultures, and highlights the finality of death. Our hope is to bring this story to life and see it travel the world in 2025.
What advice would you give aspiring film producers just starting out in the industry? Are there any specific skills or qualities that you think are essential for success?
In many ways, I’m still a growing filmmaker. Some days, I seek advice from people with more experience than me; on other days, I move forward despite my fears. But through it all, I always show up fully, ready to do the work of telling important stories for the world. So my advice will be to start creating even when the conditions aren’t perfect.
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