The Netflix and EbonyLife Films production "Elesin Oba, The King's Horseman" will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2022. The first Yoruba language film to be nominated in the prestigious special presentation category is "Elesin Oba," which is based on actual events that took place in Nigeria in 1943.
This is the first time one of Wole Soyinka's literary masterpieces will be adapted for the big screen; "Death and the King's Horseman" was originally created as a play.
"In filming Elesin Oba, we wanted to stay loyal to the original work, which is already well-known worldwide as a fantastic example of African drama," said Mo Abudu, CEO of the EbonyLife Group and executive producer of the movie. It's an honor to see this engaging exploration of African heritage and thinking on television. It has never been more crucial to represent global concerns about cultural responsibility via the blending of European and Yoruba principles.
In the movie, which was written and directed by Biyi Bandele, Odunlade Adekola plays Elesin Oba, Shaffy Bello plays Iyaloja, and renowned singer Brymo makes his acting debut as the Praise Singer. Deyemi Okanlawon, Omowunmi Dada, experienced performers Jide Kosoko and Kevin Ushi, and others join them. Langley Kirkwood, Jenny Stead, and Mark Elderkin as Jane and Simon Pilkings, as well as acting legends Taiwo Ajai-Lycett and Ajoke Silva, make appearances.
"It was a delight to watch Soyinka's thoughts and his command of tragic drama translated into a movie," said Canadian film critic and TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey. Odunlade Adekola performs grandly and impressively.
Synopsis:
In this Oyo Empire story that takes place between dusk and dawn, Elesin Oba, the Monarch's horseman, is forced to commit ceremonial suicide in order to join his slain king into the afterlife in this Oyo Empire story. His sexual urges sidetrack his best efforts, which has disastrous effects and culminates in a violent confrontation with the British overlords of the day. The horseman's inability to keep his ultimate promise to the monarch results in his ghost wandering the earth and portending calamity for the region and its inhabitants.
From September 8 to September 18, the 47th Toronto International Film Festival will be held. On September 10, 2022, in Toronto, Canada, "Elesin Oba, The King's Horseman" will have its world premiere.
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