Excelling in multiple roles within the African film industry is a rare achievement. Only a selected few possess the talent to do it seamlessly, and Olayemi Oshodi is unquestionably one of these exceptional individuals.
In this interview, he shares his journey, insights, and accomplishments as a talented actor, producer, and director.
To begin, could you share what inspired you to transition from studying chemistry to building a career in film production and acting?
To be honest, I never really had a passion for Chemistry. My heart was never in it. Deep down, filmmaking has been something I’ve loved since I was a child. I’ve always known it was my thing. I loved telling stories, watching films, and just getting lost in that world. So, when the time came, it felt natural to follow that passion. Film became a space where I could truly express myself and connect with people on a deeper level. Moving into film wasn’t really a switch for me, it felt more like coming home to what I was always meant to do.
How do you handle industry politics, especially as an emerging producer in a competitive space where perception often shapes opportunity?
Honestly, I’ve learned not to get caught up in the politics. The industry can be noisy, and perception can easily distract you, but I try to stay focused on the work. I believe that consistency, integrity, and genuine relationships speak louder than any politics. For me, it’s about building quietly, letting the work speak, and trusting that the right people will see it at the right time.
Nollywood storytelling is changing fast. How do you choose which projects to move forward with, and how much does audience expectation influence your decisions?
For me, it always starts with the story. I’m drawn to projects that have heart, stories that feel real, that make people think or feel something long after watching. Of course, I pay attention to what the audience enjoys, but I don’t let that control me. I believe if a story is honest and well told, people will connect with it. So, I focus more on truth and emotion than just trends.
Which producers in the industry inspire your creativity the most?
There are quite a few producers who inspire me. I really admire people who are intentional about storytelling and excellence. I’d say Tyler Perry, Kendrick Brothers, Dallas Jenkins, Funke Akindele, Mo Abudu, Akin Omotosho, Bradley Joshua, Benjamin Overmeyer and Bolanle Austin Peter.
You were an associate producer on “Everybody loves Jenifa” and worked closely with Funke Akindele, what key lessons did you take away from working alongside such an established figure in Nollywood?
Working closely with Madam Funke Akindele was honestly a big learning moment for me. Being around her on set, you could just feel the energy and focus she brings. She doesn’t play with her work, she’s detailed, disciplined, and very intentional about every scene. Watching her taught me that success in this industry doesn’t come by chance; it comes from preparation and consistency. Beyond the work, she also showed me the power of teamwork and excellence. That experience reminded me to always give my best, no matter the size of the project.
Looking forward, what kind of projects excite you most. Is there a genre or format you’re particularly passionate about and why?
I love stories that impact lives, stories that carry emotion and make people feel something real. I’m drawn to projects that talk about social issues, real human struggles, faith, family, and redemption. I believe film has the power to open people’s eyes, make them reflect, and even heal. Whether it’s a short film, a series, or a feature, I’m always excited about stories that touch the heart and inspire people to see life differently.
Nollywood has grown tremendously in terms of global reach and production quality. What do you think still needs improvement in the industry, especially from a producer’s perspective?
Nollywood has really grown, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come. But from my experience as a producer, I think we still need to improve our structure and storytelling depth. Often, we have great ideas, but the system doesn’t fully support the process, from funding to development to distribution. I also feel we need more genuine collaboration and less competition. If we can build stronger structures and truly invest in our stories, we won’t just make films; we’ll create lasting impact.
Is there any upcoming project or collaboration you are currently working on that we should look forward to?
Yes! Recently, we officially launched my talent management company. We’ve actually been working behind the scenes for a while, and now we’re finally ready to show what we’ve been building. Alongside that, we’re creating projects that are really close to our hearts, stories about real human struggles, faith, and hope. We’re also collaborating with some amazing creatives, so there’s a lot to look forward to. It’s an exciting time, and I can’t wait for people to see the talent we’re working with and the stories we’re bringing to life.
Finally, as an emerging creative leader, what legacy do you hope to leave in Nollywood and what impact do you want your work to have on the next generation of filmmakers and actors?
I hope to leave a legacy of stories that matter, films and projects that inspire, challenge, and uplift people. I want my work to show that you can be creative, authentic, and purposeful all at once. For the next generation, I want to be an example that hard work, integrity, and passion really do pay off, and that it’s possible to build a career in Nollywood while staying true to your values. More than anything, I want to inspire others to tell their stories boldly and to believe in their own creative voice.
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