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Biodun Stephen is one of the most inspirational cinematographers promoting African culture and Nollywood movies across the globe by narrating authentic human angle stories.
In an exclusive interview with News Round The Clock, Biodun Stephen discloses what often inspires her creativity and perception to moviemaking. In case you missed it, read the first part of the NRTC conversation here.
Inspired by nature and the depth of her God-given insight, the foremost cinematographer spoke fondly about the 2019 Christian-faith release, “Joba“. The movie is an emotional themed drama that is based on love, strength and the existence of God.
ALSO READ: My goal is telling impactful stories – Biodun Stephen (NRTC Exclusive)
Featuring Nollywood star, Blossom Chukwujekwu and at the time fast-rising actress, Enado Odigie, the film revolves around a Christian family who is battling with balancing their marriage and faith. Their beliefs were tested when all indications show that the husband is the cause of the problems.
Speaking during the interview, Mrs Stephen stated that the drama originated from divine inspiration while listening to a radio program. Despite financial constraints, she received unexpected support from a stranger, enabling her to bring the story to life.
She describes “Joba” as a movie that is special to her, however, she noted that she doesn’t ‘have any favourite film’.
She stated, “I don’t have any favourite of my film, but, I do have one film that is special to me.“
“It’s my film called Joba,” Mrs Stephen explained further.
“It’s because Joba is a film… (She pauses) a Christian film that is a gift with the way it was given to me. It wasn’t something that just emerged, it was gifted to me.”
She went further to explain how she garnered inspiration for the movie, she stated further, “I was listening to a song repeatedly while driving in my car; I then told God that I genuinely do love this song and would like him to show me how I can a write movie script that will edify this music“
How God Unraveled The Movie Script For Joba
Speaking further during the session, Biodun Stephen mentioned that the script unraveled on the windscreen of her vehicle while she was in transit.
” I was in the car and my windscreen literally turned into a screen,” the Joba filmmaker stated. “I was seeing pictures, then I wrote out the script when I got home,” Abiodun Stephen added.
She later added that despite financial constraint, she received funds to produce the movie through astonishing means. Speaking, she mentioned that she received funds from a South African woman who reached out to her via social media.
“After putting out the announcement on Twitter that I have written one of the most amazing movie script, a South African woman reached out to me to ask how much is required to produce the film,” she revealed.
She further added, “the South African mentioned that God specifically asked her to support the project.”
Mrs Stephen later added that the movie was shot and produced after she conceived the idea.
She also spoke about the trajectory of the movie and how it was able to attain prominence within a short period.
“We didn’t make tons of money from Joba, however, it was the trajectory of how the film made itself and keeps going to where it wants to be,” she stated.
“Right now, the film is on Amazon Prime,” Mrs Stephen concluded.
Biodun Stephen went on to later add that the 2022 drama, Sista featuring talented actress, Kehinde Bankole is the singular project that has surprised her the most.
For more on Biodun Stephen, you can follow her on Twitter/X and subscribe to her channel, Shutterspeed on YouTube.
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