Pan African Film Festival 2020 – Coming From Insanity
Thousands of children are trafficked across the borders of West Africa each year. Most arrive at their destination, slave away and die in oblivion. One of them refuses this fate and searches for wealth, power and passion in the riveting streets of Lagos.
Interview with Writer/Director/Editor Akinyemi Sebastian Akinropo
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Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you. I've always been in love with cinema. It was always going to be my way of speaking to the world. Child trafficking is a bigger problem in our society today than most people realize. The opportunity to tell a story like Kossi's in Coming From Insanity doesn't come around that often and to be able to tell it while shining a little light on child trafficking is a huge honor and duty that I'm really proud to be a part of.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
The themes are universal, but the material is very authentic. The film takes you on a ride with these characters fighting-with every fiber of their spirit-for what drives them. At the end of the day, lights down and heads up; that's all you wish for in cinema.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Kossi's drive and desire to succeed is unrivaled. He highlights how much dedication it takes to break barriers and clear hurdles that often seem insurmountable. Whether you're on his side or the other, in no uncertain terms do we appreciate how much he gave into reversing his fortune. A trait emblematic of a success story anywhere in the world.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
It evolved a great deal. You hear a lot of stories about your first film-basically most films- breaking your heart because the end result rarely aligns with what you had imagined. Even Martin Scorsese said that "if you don't get physically ill after seeing your first rough cut, then something is wrong". I did get physically ill, but then it quickly became one of my favorite processes in the whole filmmaking cycle. You really just have to find the soul of the film and it will guide you.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has been amazing so far. The film has won a few awards and counting. And everyone loves Kossi. It's kinda hard not to. The lead actor's performance in the film has just scored one of the biggest acting nominations in Africa at the AMVCA 2020. It's also nominated for the Best First Feature Narrative in the 2020 Pan African Film Festival.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Not yet.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I'm hoping that a lot more people will see Coming From Insanity, not just for the cinematic experience which has been raved about online but to also bring awareness to child trafficking, because you never know the straw that will break the proverbial camel's back on any issue.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Sales agents, buyers and distributors who are capable of realizing Coming From Insanity's full potential.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would like for the world to pay more attention to child trafficking across the globe.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What do you think of the ending?
Would you like to add anything else?
In the unfortunate case that this is the only time you get to see this film, please pay attention to every word and enjoy the music.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
The team is currently developing a feature screenplay and a television series.
Interview: February 2020
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Coming From Insanity
Thousands of children are trafficked across the borders of West Africa each year. Most arrive at their destination, slave away and die in oblivion. One of them refuses this fate and searches for wealth, power and passion in the riveting streets of Lagos.
Length: 1:37:54
Director: Akinyemi Sebastian Akinropo
Producer: Ibidolapo Ajayi
Writer: Akinyemi Sebastian Akinropo
About the writer, director and producer:
AKINYEMI SEBASTIAN AKINROPO has worked on numerous projects including tv commercials for Guinness Nigeria (and other comparable brands), documentaries for the B.B.C. and several other outlets. His latest offering is a resounding debut feature in Coming From Insanity; which he wrote, directed and edited.
Key cast: Gabriel Afolayan (Lead Actor), Damilola Adegbite (Lead Actor), Sani Danja (Supporting Actor), Sharon Ooja (Supporting Actor)
Looking for: distributors, buyers, sales agents, journalists, film festival directors
Facebook: Coming From Insanity
Twitter: @comingfrominsanityfilm
Instagram: @comingfrominsanityfilm
Hashtags used: #comingfrominsanity , #comingfrominsanityfilm
Website: www.themovement-pro.com
Other: IMDb
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Cinemark Egyptian 24/Hanover, Maryland - 02/16/2020; Pan African Film Festival / Los Angeles - 02/21 | 02/22 | 02/23; Odeon Greenwich/London, U.K. - 02/28/2020