Josh Olaoluwa Makes History in Hollywood’s Film Independent Project Involve

In the competitive world of international filmmaking, breaking into Hollywood’s inner circle is a feat few achieve. For Nigerian producer Josh Olaoluwa, that dream became a reality when he was selected as the first international fellow for Film Independent’s Project Involve, a program known for nurturing emerging talent in the film industry.

“I started this fellowship in January. Prior to this, I’ve been applying for years,” Olaoluwa revealed in an exclusive interview with The Nollywood Reporter. His persistence paid off, landing him a coveted spot in a program that has been a launchpad for some of the industry’s brightest talents for over three decades. “Originally, it’s meant for filmmakers that are based in America, living and working in Los Angeles. Maybe if I had known, I probably wouldn’t have applied. But I didn’t know, which was good for me,” he added with a hint of serendipity in his voice.

The decision to leave Nigeria for this 10-month fellowship wasn’t an easy one for Olaoluwa. At the time, his career in Nigeria was flourishing, with several big projects and increasing industry recognition. “My 2024 in Nigeria, this is from a 2023 perspective, looked great. I felt like nothing could go wrong,” he reflected. The choice to step away from this momentum for an opportunity in Los Angeles was a gamble, but one that Olaoluwa felt compelled to take.

Upon arriving in LA, Olaoluwa found himself immersed in a new world of filmmaking. The fellowship exposed him to different approaches to storytelling and film development, challenging his preconceptions and expanding his horizons. “We had months of development sessions, which were life-changing,” he enthused. “You had to be present and listen to people talk about these ideas from a very esoteric and mentally evolved point of view. You got to see in real-time how people’s approach to story changes everything.”

This exposure to new methodologies and perspectives has had a profound impact on Olaoluwa’s approach to filmmaking. He spoke passionately about the development process, describing how they would “spend four hours just talking about the story, characters, and their motivations.” For Olaoluwa, this intensive focus on story development was eye-opening, broadening his understanding of “how the process of storytelling should work from start to finish.”

Olaoluwa’s journey to this point has been marked by significant successes in the Nigerian film industry. He produced ‘Grind’, a 10-part limited series that debuted at number one on Amazon Prime Video in Nigeria. He also worked on ‘A Sunday Affair’ for EbonyLife Studios, which claimed the top spot among Nigerian films on Netflix. These achievements made him the only Nigerian producer to simultaneously occupy the number one spot on both streaming platforms, a feat that speaks to his versatility and understanding of audience preferences.

The production of his latest project, ‘Deep Dish Dimples’, as part of the Film Independent program, presented Olaoluwa with a new set of challenges. “Producing a film in a foreign country with a new crew and a new currency was challenging,” he admitted. The cultural differences were particularly striking for him. “Imagine working with 60 people you’ve never met before. Culturally, it was different for me because I hadn’t dealt with that many people who weren’t my race.”

Despite these challenges, Olaoluwa approached the experience with enthusiasm and a growth mindset. “It’s important to put ourselves in uncomfortable situations because, in the middle of it, you think you’re going to die, but you won’t,” he said, laughing. This attitude of embracing challenges as opportunities for growth has been a constant throughout Olaoluwa’s career.

As ‘Deep Dish Dimples’ moves into post-production, Olaoluwa finds himself collaborating with some of Hollywood’s top studios. The film is set to premiere at the Directors Guild of America in January 2025, as part of Film Independent’s First Look Screening Program on Sunset Boulevard. This premiere represents not just the sum total of Olaoluwa’s fellowship but also a significant moment for African representation in Hollywood.

Looking to the future, Olaoluwa is eager to continue exploring diverse stories that bridge cultures and challenge perceptions. “I like human stories and relatable stories. Moving forward, I want to make films about my people and human interactions,” he explained. His evolution as a filmmaker has taught him to appreciate a wider range of narratives, from gritty, urban tales to more affluent, colorful stories.

Olaoluwa’s ambitions extend beyond personal success. He aims to change perceptions of Nigerian cinema on a global scale. “In the future, I want to make films that speak to me and, as cheesy as it sounds, change how Nigeria is perceived across the world,” he stated with conviction.

As Josh Olaoluwa continues to navigate the intersections of Nollywood and Hollywood, his work serves as a bridge between these two cinematic worlds. His participation in Film Independent’s Project Involve is not just a personal achievement but a step towards greater representation of African voices in global cinema. With ‘Deep Dish Dimples’ and future projects on the horizon, Olaoluwa is poised to contribute significantly to the evolving narrative of African filmmaking on the international stage.

With the Nollywood film industry often criticized for its lack of diversity, Olaoluwa’s success story serves as an inspiration and a catalyst for change. As he puts it, “My hope is that more Nigerian filmmakers, more African filmmakers get the opportunity and access to this information, this landscape, and then come back and make better films.”