Nigerian photographer Ademola Bewaji, popularly known as Daetem, has spoken about his short film Echoes of Tuesday, a psychological drama that marks his debut as a director, screenwriter and executive producer.
In an exclusive interview with The Nollywood Reporter (TNR), Bewaji described the project — produced under Daetem Productions, as stemming from a simple but unsettling idea: how one moment can hold entirely different meanings for different people.
“This story matters to me because it reflects real experiences people go through quietly; confusion, manipulation, and the feeling that something happened but you can’t fully explain it,” he said. He added that the film feels personal because it explores overlooked emotions and the way an ordinary day can shift irreversibly.
Reflecting on his transition from photography to filmmaking, Bewaji described expanding beyond a single frame as his greatest challenge. While photography taught him how to compose striking images, filmmaking required him to think about continuity, performance and emotional progression.
“I also had to learn to trust collaboration,” he said. “Directing isn’t about controlling everything; it’s about guiding the vision and allowing people to contribute meaningfully.”
Echoes of Tuesday blends psychological drama with elements of mystery, centring on themes of memory, perception and emotional manipulation. According to Bewaji, the story examines how truth can become distorted when trust is broken and how silence can sometimes speak louder than confrontation.
“It’s a quiet, emotional story that relies more on atmosphere and feeling than direct explanation,” he explained.
For distribution, Bewaji plans to prioritise film festival submissions, particularly platforms that support short films and psychological storytelling. A digital release is expected to follow in order to reach a broader audience.
Ultimately, the filmmaker says his goal is connection. “If the film makes people reflect, question or see certain experiences differently, then it has done its job. Recognition would be appreciated, but success for me is knowing the story resonated with someone.”