Pile of Rubbish, directed by Nigerian filmmaker Adejo “Storypriest” Emmanuel, is now streaming on Prime Video across the United Kingdom, United States and Canada, expanding the reach of the socially conscious film to international audiences.
At its core, the film follows Bola, a 10-year-old boy trying to understand the world around him while navigating environmental challenges within his community.
Speaking with The Nollywood Reporter, Emmanuel said the film’s international release reinforces his belief that culturally specific stories can connect with audiences globally without sacrificing authenticity.
“You don’t have to water down your culture or imitate another industry’s storytelling to reach a global audience,” he said. “That’s why we made the deliberate decision to tell Pile of Rubbish in Yoruba.”
The filmmaker explained that using Yoruba allowed the story and characters to feel emotionally truthful, adding that authenticity often strengthens universal appeal rather than limiting it.
“The more truthful we are about who we are, the more universal our stories become,” he added.
Known for films including On Our Skin and Isekonu, Emmanuel said he hopes the project encourages more Nigerian filmmakers to embrace local languages and stories rooted in their communities.
According to him, globally respected film industries have often gained recognition by remaining deeply connected to their cultural identities.
Referencing filmmakers such as Akira Kurosawa, Wong Kar-wai, Joachim Trier and Bong Joon Ho, Emmanuel noted that audiences may not understand every cultural reference but still connect with universal emotions.
“People understand love, grief, sacrifice, hope and resilience,” he said. “That’s where the real opportunity for Nollywood lies.”
Although Pile of Rubbish explores climate change and environmental issues, Emmanuel said he approached the subject through emotion and human experience rather than direct social commentary.
“I believe the best films don’t preach; they make you feel,” he explained. “If someone walks away seeing their community, and their own responsibility to it, a little differently, then we’ve accomplished something worthwhile.”
The filmmaker also described directing a Yoruba-language film as one of the production’s biggest challenges because he does not speak the language himself.
According to Emmanuel, the process required close collaboration with the cast and crew to ensure the emotional truth of each scene remained intact.
He acknowledged producer Tiger Fire Rose, assistant director Inaolaji Oluwadarasimi and cinematographer Yemi Adeojo for helping guide the production process.
Emmanuel also praised Tijani Jamiu, who makes his screen debut as Bola, alongside Modesinuola Ogunndiwin and Ayoola Benedict for their performances in the film.
“In the end, the experience reminded me that directing isn’t about speaking the same language as your actors,” he said. “It is about sharing the same emotional understanding of the story.”
Reflecting on the film’s central ideas, Emmanuel said Pile of Rubbish ultimately asks audiences to think about responsibility; both personal and environmental.
“It made me think about the responsibility filmmakers have to tell stories that entertain but also leave people reflecting on themselves and the society they live in,” he said.
