Passion Has Kept Me Relevant For Decades – Tunde Kelani

Veteran Nollywood filmmaker Tunde Kelani has come out to advise upcoming Nigerian producers. He recently had his say while speaking to the press, and fans have been reacting.

Stressing that passion has kept him relevant for many decades, Kelani stated that his love for the craft has helped him overcome the several disappointments and challenges he faced along the way.

The filmmaker concluded by urging the future generation of filmmakers to never be in a hurry to be famous.

His words, “Number one, it is about passion.

You have to be passionate about what you are doing. If you are not passionate about it, it becomes very difficult to sustain yourself, especially in a creative field where you will face many challenges, disappointments and moments when things may not go the way you want.

In fact, my case is different. I am not supposed to be known because I am the person behind the camera. I am not a star.

My job has always been to help tell the story and make sure that the story gets across to the audience in the best possible way. I have always been comfortable being behind the camera and allowing the work to speak for me.

For young filmmakers, I would say they should not be in a hurry to become famous.

They should concentrate on learning their craft, understanding the medium and developing their own voice. You must be willing to learn continuously because filmmaking is changing all the time.

The technology changes, the platforms change and the way people consume stories changes, but the fundamental need to tell good stories remains.

They should also understand that there are many different roles in filmmaking. You do not necessarily have to be the person in front of the camera.

You can be a cinematographer, editor, writer, sound designer, production designer, director or work in any of the other areas that make filmmaking possible. What matters is that you find the area where your passion lies and develop yourself in it.

For me, the most important thing is to remain committed to the work. Fame and recognition may come, but they should be secondary.

If you have passion, discipline and a story to tell, keep working at it. Eventually, the quality of your work will speak for you.”