iRep Festival Day 2: Why I want to make only eight films — “Relentless” director Andy Okoroafor

Nigerian filmmaker and founder of Clam Magazine, Andy Amadi Okoroafor, has revealed why he plans to make only eight films throughout his career.

Best known for his 2010 film “Relentless”, Okoroafor spoke about the importance of taking time to create meaningful films during a conversation session on March 28, moderated by iRep xecutive Director Femi Odugbemi.

Responding to a question about the commercial nature of Nollywood and the hurried storytelling process, Okoroafor said:

“I want to make films that only I can make films that nobody else can. I don’t do entertainment. I want to make films that make you reflect on the world. That’s why I don’t want to make a lot of films. I want to make only eight.”

He also discussed how the social realities of Lagos inspired “Relentless”, particularly the insecurity that made night movements dangerous in the city.

“I just wanted to make a film about the energy of Lagos at night. It was so dangerous, and that was the imagery I worked with,” he noted.

Reflecting on films that shaped his storytelling, Okoroafor acknowledged the influence of Femi Odugbemi’s “Maroko” (2004) and Tunde Kelani’s “Maami” (2011).

“”Maroko” was the most honest film I’ve seen in Nigeria about Nigeria. This is something most people do not know about,” he added.

Earlier, Odugbemi introduced Okoroafor by stating that the conversation aimed to give young storytellers insight into filmmakers who use film as a tool for provocative narratives.