‘Dumping my engineering degree for filmmaking came naturally’

Temidayo Ibitoye is a young filmmaker with a degree in chemical engineering from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. In this interview, he talks about his switch to filmmaking and the rationale behind his latest work, ‘Borderline’, a documentary shot across eight African countries, among others. How did you transform from chemical engineering to filmmaking? […]

Temidayo Ibitoye is a young filmmaker with a degree in chemical engineering from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. In this interview, he talks about his switch to filmmaking and the rationale behind his latest work, ‘Borderline’, a documentary shot across eight African countries, among others.

How did you transform from chemical engineering to filmmaking?

Being born in Ilorin, Kwara State, I can say that my upbringing in such a vibrant, culturally rich environment laid the foundational stones of curiosity and storytelling that have shaped who I am today. Despite my early education and initial career path veering towards chemical engineering, which I pursued at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, my true calling was in the arts. The transition from chemical engineering to filmmaking began during my university days, a time when I found myself deeply involved in writing and freelancing for various newspapers alongside my studies. I ventured into the digital world by starting a technology blog, an endeavour I undertook at a time when blogging was still gaining its foothold in the mainstream. This early foray into the world of storytelling and content creation laid the groundwork for my eventual move into filmmaking. These experiences laid the foundation for my career in filmmaking and led me to establish Dinovate Solutions, a company specializing in multimedia and storytelling, serving multinational brands. Although my path from an engineering student to a filmmaker might appear unconventional, it was fuelled by an intrinsic passion for storytelling and writing, guiding me towards the visual storytelling that film offers.

This journey from a scientific background to the creative realm of filmmaking has uniquely positioned me to approach storytelling with a blend of analytical thinking and artistic expression. Throughout this journey, I’ve been drawn to the power of film as a tool to connect people across different cultures and backgrounds, evoke profound emotions, and spark meaningful conversations.

If you had so much interest in story-telling from the onset, why chemical engineering and not theatre arts at the university?

My father was big on education and exposure. He regularly bought us storybooks and newspapers, and we had a tradition of watching the 9pm news together every night. But it was actually while I was studying chemical engineering at Ahmadu Bello University that I realized that my passion wasn’t in the formulas and reactions of chemical engineering but in the stories and lessons I grew up with. The transition from engineering to filmmaking might seem like a leap, but for me, it felt natural. I’ve always been fascinated by the power of a good story to inspire, teach, and bring people together. That’s what led me to pursue a career in filmmaking and storytelling. It’s about continuing that tradition of sharing stories, just with a broader audience.

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It’s fair to say my interest in filmmaking and storytelling really started in my childhood, influenced heavily by my family environment. This routine extended to TV shows like ‘Tales by Moonlight,’ ‘Super Story,’ ‘After the Storm,’ and ‘Papa Ajasco’. These shows weren’t just entertainment; they opened up new worlds to me and sparked my imagination.

The filmmaking industry appears saturated, but a lot of young filmmakers like yourself have been crafting an edge for themselves. What will you say sets you apart from others? What are your strengths?

What sets me apart in the field of filmmaking is my unwavering commitment to telling African stories and highlighting social issues through my work. I concentrate on stories that are frequently neglected or inaccurately portrayed by mainstream media. This helps me not only bring a fresh perspective to the table but also significantly contribute to creating a more inclusive and diverse storytelling landscape. By focusing on these unique stories, I aim to challenge viewers to think critically and empathize with experiences different from their own, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex world we live in.

Talking about strengths, I would say my greatest strength lies in my empathy and ability to connect with people on a deep level. This skill has been crucial in my storytelling work, where understanding and portraying the subjects’ experiences authentically is key. It allows me to create films that not only tell stories but also resonate emotionally with audiences, fostering a sense of connection and understanding across diverse cultures.

Talking about telling African stories and highlighting social issues, will you say this played any role in your latest documentary? What is your latest work about viz-a-viz your niche as a filmmaker?

My latest project, a documentary titled “Borderlands”, is a very interesting project that I co-created with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). We wanted to tell the stories of borderland communities in Africa and illustrate their complex challenges and uniqueness. These communities are located at the intersections of countries, and because of how far they are from the urban centres, they are usually neglected or marginalised. The docu-series provides an intimate look at the daily lives of these communities, highlighting the incredible resilience and strength of the people who live there. It also spotlights the impactful work of organizations striving to effect positive change in these areas.

We filmed the episodes in the borderlands of various African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda, Nigeria, Niger, Benin and Cameroon. Each episode provides a unique insight into the extraordinary lives and contributions of those who are making significant impacts in these vibrant yet often overlooked regions.

It looks like this project has exposed you to other filmmakers across Africa and the world; thus, what do you think is the future of filmmaking in Africa and the world?

I’m optimistic about the future of filmmaking in Africa, thanks to the growing community of storytellers and filmmakers who are adept at using technology to share their stories worldwide. Additionally, digital platforms are making filmmaking more accessible, allowing African narratives to captivate audiences across the globe. This surge in diverse stories and perspectives from Africa is set to enhance the global film scene, introducing fresh narratives and insights that were previously underrepresented.

The way you painted the bright future, one may be forgiven to think there are no challenges confronting the industry at the moment.

Oh no! There are several challenges. One of the main challenges in the African film industry is access to funding and resources. Many filmmakers have groundbreaking ideas but lack the support to bring them to life. Additionally, distribution remains a hurdle, with limited avenues for African films to reach wider audiences both locally and internationally. To address these challenges, there needs to be more investment in local film industries from both the public and private sectors. Establishing stronger distribution networks and platforms to showcase African films globally is also crucial. Partnerships and collaborations within the continent and with international entities can provide the necessary resources and opportunities for filmmakers.

What are the prospects for you?

My future goals include expanding my work to include more collaborative projects across Africa and beyond, focusing on stories that promote understanding, peace, and unity, and addressing social issues in society. My passion is for Africa, and I believe Africa’s story needs to be told by its own people. I also aim to mentor and support emerging filmmakers, contributing to a sustainable and vibrant filmmaking ecosystem in Africa.

The way you speak passionately about filmmaking, do you have other interests outside of what you do in this industry?

Outside of filmmaking, my passion for travel and an active lifestyle are central to who I am. I am deeply committed to exploring new places, engaging with people from diverse backgrounds, and immersing myself in different cultures. This has taken me to every state within Nigeria and to over 20 countries across Africa. Beyond my travels, I also have a great love for playing golf and frequenting the gym. Golf allows me a peaceful escape and the opportunity to challenge myself in new ways, while my gym routine keeps me physically and mentally sharp. These activities, along with my extensive travel, have not only broadened my horizons but also significantly influenced my filmmaking projects. Through these varied experiences, I’ve gathered a wealth of perspectives that serve as a rich source of inspiration, enabling me to craft stories that resonate universally.

Do you have any advice for aspiring filmmakers?

To aspiring filmmakers, my advice is to stay true to your vision and voice. The path is not always easy, but your unique perspective is invaluable. Continuously hone your craft, be open to learning, and seek out stories that move you. Remember, filmmaking is not just about telling stories, it’s about making a difference.