‘The Kujus’ spotlights Badagry with blockbuster movie

On November 27, 2020 Nollywood fans were taken on a fascinating trip to the ancient city of Badagry, Lagos, which is unarguably, very rich in Nigerian pre-colonial history.

The trip was through the eyes of The Kuju siblings in the TMPL Motion Pictures first cinema release, entitled “Introducing The Kujus” (ITK).

On that day, the blockbuster movie, which is distributed by Filmone, premiered in cinemas across the country. ITK is one of the latest flicks expected to bring back the spark and excitement to Nigerian cinema after the long COVID19 induced industry shutdown.

Set in the history- rich border town, ITK stars Nollywood favourites such as Bisola Aiyeola, Timini Egbuson, Femi Jacobs, Bimbo Ademoye and eccentric comedian, MC Lively. Others are Kunle Remi, Mimi Onalaja and Ronke Odusanya.

The movie puts the shine on the famed city known for historical landmarks and relics such as Gberefu Island (Port Of No Return), Slave Museum, first storybuilding, among others.

ITK movie is directed by Biodun Stephen, acclaimed filmmaker, and co-produced by Winifred Okpapi with Adeoluwa Owu as director of photography. ITK Movie takes fans on a journey with the Kuju siblings who are tricked by their youngest sister into visiting their hometown (Badagry) for a remembrance of their late mother.

The trip comes five years after the death of their matriarch revealing a big vacuum she left behind due to her role as a unifying factor. ITK’S vibrant cast brings the adrenaline- rush that movie fans love to see as the siblings soon find out about an unspoken tension threatening the cohesion of their once united family.

Sounding upbeat, Bisola Aiyeola who earns her first producer credit in ITK Movie, is experiencing the movie with her fans in selected venues around the country. “For me, this is like a Christmas gift to my fans and I really want everyone to enjoy the ITK experience and I am doing so with my fans already. This is the first time your girl, Bisola Aiyeola is co-producing a movie, I am excited and anxious at the same time. It was a whole new experience for me, one that I cherish greatly. I am happy to share with the world. My excitement for this special movie did not allow me sleep in the days leading to its release”, Aiyeola said.

Also speaking, Winifred Okpapi, project manager and co-producer, said, “I think we all agree that this has been a turbulent year for everyone. Seeing ITK Movie with family, friends and some of your favourite people seems like the perfect way to end the year. We all need the laughter and smiles that this movie brings. We witnessed this feeling on set and are happy to share it with the rest of the world.”

TMPL Motion pictures is a full-service video and still pictures production outfit with focus on the conceptualisation, development and production of creative content for the Temple Company; the parent company, her clients and independent parties. The production company focuses on developing new full-budget theatrical films, branded content production, music videos and television shows based on the best projects, for a global audience.