Nigerian author and filmmaker Albrin Junior has explained his reasons for adapting his book From Glasgow Without Love into a short film, citing both creative and strategic considerations.
In an exclusive interview with The Nollywood Reporter, Junior said the story initially existed across multiple mediums, including book, film, and stage. “I could clearly visualise moments from it. For instance, I was staring contemplatively at the Wincher Statue at Buchanan bus station, and I literally saw John Boyega sitting with a knife, and the emotional tension of the scene unfolded,” he said.
He added that adapting the story to film will help strengthen the intellectual property and expand its audience. “It will expand its life across different creative mediums. By moving from page to screen, the story gains additional cultural and commercial value,” Junior said.
Junior also noted that film has a unique power to communicate emotionally through visuals, performances, and atmosphere. “I felt this narrative could travel further through visual storytelling. In fact, I also believe the story has a strong theatrical quality, almost Shakespearean in its emotional tension, so I can easily imagine it evolving into a stage play in the future if the right opportunity arises,” he said.
The short film focuses on Elvis Osahon, a Nigerian man navigating love, deception, and immigration. Junior said the adaptation allows audiences to experience the story collectively and immediately, rather than imagining it individually as they would in the book. “That immediacy can often take the story further and connect with audiences who may never encounter the book,” he said.
On distribution, Junior said the film will first enter the festival circuit, focusing on platforms exploring identity, belonging, migration, and diaspora. “The goal is to screen the film in spaces where these conversations are already happening and where the story can resonate deeply with viewers,” he said.
He added that the festival route is only the first step, with future plans including curated screenings and potential digital distribution. “The festival route is the first step in building momentum for the project, while the longer-term vision for the story continues to evolve,” Junior said.