National Wire About Nigerians, Nigerian Business and Other Stories
Tayo Olanipekun
A film with a message most people in the society can relate with a curiosity arousing theme and yet is subliminal is what the ace director, Saheed Apanpa, is hitting the cinemas with during the festive period.
Apampa said he is enthusiastic about Dagger, not only for the reason that it is his first personal work,one special to him, but because the movie highlights the fact that marital infidelity, though painful and is on the increase in the society, does not justify domestic violence or any other irrational behavior associated with it.
There was a private screening of the film in Lagos last weekend, after Apampa, who has done films like Dark Closet, All for the Money and Last Date, noted about N10m went into the production of the movie shot over a period of 20 days, to achieve high quality sound and pictures.
In the movie, Francis’ marriage of six months is fraught with crises, fuelled by the suspicion his wife is having affairs. He turns violent and drinks excessively, hires a private detective, even transferring his anger on the sister in-law. Another character, Bolanle, on the other hand, is unfaithful to his wife, cheating on her with an ex-girlfriend. He, like Francis, played Seun Akindele, visits a shrink whose suggestions don’t do much to salvage the marriages.
The entire scenario is that of a love triangle, unbeknownst to Francis who so much loves his wife and is willing to sacrifice anything. The film climaxes with a tragic but intriguing and suspenseful scene that keeps the audience on the edge.
Bolanle Ninalowo, popularly called Nino, May Owen and Lucy Ameh are other actors in the film and according to Apampa, the production of the film, which will premiere on December 8 in Lagos and will be screened nationwide, involved the deployment of helicopters, drones and other sophisticated equipment.
Giving reasons for his choice of actors in the film, Apanpa said the nation is now in an era of a “new Nollywood. I don’t shoot for marketers or producers that will insist on known stars only. I believe in casting. I have rejected 11 stories in recent time. Good story is the ultimate.”
Apanpa expressed the belief that the quality of the moves should make it have good impacts. “We devoted a lot of resources and production values to the film and we are sure Netflix will pick it. No film is perfect but good story is the ultimate and we will have the film played on Iroko TV and as in-flight movie as well,” he said.
He decried the fact that the incentives for the creative industry, as announced by the Federal Government, seems to be available to only a select few in the sector.
“The intervention funds are there but it seems it’s there for some certain people who can access it easily. We will get there one day,” he said.
