OLUDOTUN OLOLADE: Zooming into the Life of a Filmmaker

His initial desire to become an artist and own an art gallery gave way to a burgeoning career as a filmmaker. His choice of exploring the world through the lens of his camera has placed him on the global stage and eventually earned him a fortune. The Nigerian filmmaker, Oludotun Ololade, was recently named the inaugural winner of the 2023 Native Shorts Creatives Competition for his short film ‘Lost But Found’ at the International Filmmaker Award with a cash prize of £1,500. Ololade tells Funke Olaode how his childhood experiences and creative inclination nurtured his path to greatness.

Oludotun Ololade’s name now rings a bell having been named the inaugural winner of the 2023 Native Shorts Creatives Competition for his short film ‘Lost but Found’ at the International Filmmaker Award with a cash prize of £1,500. His growing stature on the global stage alongside his exceptional creativity and ingenuity makes him tower above his peers.
Oludotun’s award-winning film is one that reaches across cultures and generations about gender prejudice and resulting gender discrimination that begins in childhood, and conflict, poverty and other forms of social disadvantage that magnify gender inequality.
“I am encouraged,” Oludotun said. “Winning a global award at a time of global crises when women and young girls everywhere face an immense range of challenges—from the inability to access food, education and employment to the threat of gender-based violence feels like a tremendous honour and an equally tremendous responsibility to do more advocacy with my films is humbling.

“The sooner any nation understands that girl children are equally important and that the lack of women in leadership roles holds back not only women, but all people, the sooner we will be able to advance society as a whole,” he added.
For his ingenuity, Oludotun won a cash prize of £1,500 ($1,918), ahead of Abdoulie B. Jarju, a Gambian who won the second prize for $500, while the third prize of $500 was awarded to another Nigerian Benjamin Olukoya for his film ‘The Nightmare.’

Still basking in euphoria of his latest exploits, Oludotun said the film, ‘Lost but Found’ holds a deep personal meaning to him as it symbolizes his own journey of finding his true calling in the world of film-making. The film also aims to shed light on the struggles and challenges faced by young girls worldwide, who often face barriers that prevent them from accessing opportunities. It tells the story of a resilient young girl forced to leave school due to difficult circumstances but who perseveres against all odds, demonstrating remarkable determination and resilience. The film serves as an embodiment of hope and resilience, encouraging individuals to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams.

Previously, Oludotun has directed multiple short films, including ‘Stupid Finder,’ which officially premiered on YouTube in May 2022 by EbonyLife Creative Academy owned by the famous media entrepreneur Mo Abudu and supported by the Lagos State Government.
In his act of gratitude for the global accolades, Oludotun said: “The experience of winning the global filmmaking award has been nothing short of incredible, and it has opened new doors of opportunity and recognition for me and my work. I am truly humbled and honoured to have been featured in your publication, and I am deeply appreciative of the support and platform you have provided to amplify my story.

“I remain committed to using my craft to make a meaningful impact in society and contribute to the conversation on gender equality and empowerment.”
Delving into his early days with nostalgia, Oludotun, like other emerging filmmakers interest, was spurred by listening to folklore tales from his parents and comic books that were popular during the ‘90s. “During my favourite pastime, I fondly remember sketching characters such as Tom and Jerry, Fido Dido of 7Up, and Voltron.

These childhood experiences, along with my creative inclination, gradually nurtured my passion for art. Since then, art has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have been practising and honing my artistic skills since I was able to distinguish my left hand from my right,” he claimed.
Talking through some of his notable artworks and what makes them special, he said over the years, he has had a collection of notable standalone artworks and at this same time, he still incorporates them.

“My artistic abilities into my film-making projects to enhance the overall craft. As a filmmaker, I believe in the power of visual storytelling, and my background in art allows me to bring a unique perspective to the creative process. In my films, I utilize various artistic techniques such as composition, colour schemes, and visual symbolism to evoke emotions and enhance the narrative. By blending my skills as a filmmaker and an artist, I aim to create visually stunning and engaging cinematic experiences.”

While Oludotun’s focus has primarily been on film-making, he intends to further develop his skills as a visual artist and pursue it as a full-fledged career in the future.
“I believe that combining both disciplines will not only enrich my creative endeavours but also provide new opportunities for self-expression and exploration. In summary, while I may not have notable standalone artworks to showcase at this time, my artistic background plays a significant role in enhancing the visual elements of my filmmaking projects.”
While plying his trade behind the camera, he still draws inspiration from serene and quiet environments. “I find solace in secluded places, such as bathrooms, where my mind can wander freely and creative ideas can flourish. Additionally, I draw inspiration from engaging conversations, whether they occur during my travels or in everyday interactions with people from diverse backgrounds.”

While assessing the art appreciation and culture in Nigeria, he said: “It is gradually gaining momentum and evolving positively. With the rise of art galleries, exhibitions, and cultural events, there is a growing recognition and appreciation for various forms of art in the country. However, there is still room for improvement, and efforts should be made to further educate and engage the public, especially in remote areas, to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of art.

“Nigerian art possesses immense creativity, cultural richness, and talent that deserve wider recognition and appreciation both locally and internationally. By promoting art education, increasing exposure to diverse art forms, and cultivating a supportive environment for artists, Nigeria can bridge this gap and fully embrace art appreciation on a global scale.”
On how art has impacted his life, Oludotun said through artistic expression, he has found a means to communicate his thoughts, emotions, and perspectives to the world.
“Art has provided me with a sense of purpose, allowing me to explore my creativity and push boundaries. It has given me the opportunity to connect with diverse audiences, evoke emotions, and spark conversations. Moreover, art has opened doors for collaboration, enabling me to work alongside talented individuals who share a similar passion. Overall, art has brought fulfillment, personal growth, and a deep sense of meaning to my life.”
Today, Oludotun is a globally acclaimed filmmaker and didn’t start his career as one.
Earlier on, his educational aspiration was tilted toward the study of sciences and had initially begun his career as a tech support and networking engineer. Further, he worked in web development despite having no prior experience in the field. Through extensive research and dedication, he quickly familiarised himself with web development and established a successful business in that domain.
“Seeking further growth, I realised the limitations of paper proposals and decided to explore more engaging visual forms of communication. With my expertise in Microsoft PowerPoint, I created animations, but whatever I created was ONLY viewable on the PC and not many people had it back then. I wanted something people could view both on a PC and VCD. I stumbled upon the software. After Effects by Adobe and started creating better animations and motion graphics, but along the line, I realized I needed videos to complement them, which prompted me to delve into the world of cameras and cinematography.”
He offered his services as a free photographer and videographer to gain practical skills and experience. This led him to make a pivotal decision in 2022- enrolling at the Ebonylife Creative Academy to study directing. “I successfully graduated from the programme and embarked on my film-making journey, after the creation of my award-winning film, ‘Stupid Finder’ at the academy.”
Since his foray into film-making, Oludotun has been fortunate to be involved in a considerable number of projects, assuming various roles driven by his adventurous nature. “Primarily, I have served as a Director of Photography (DoP), leveraging my expertise in capturing visually compelling shots. Additionally, I recently ventured into directing and taking on projects. Each film offered unique challenges and opportunities for growth, allowing me to further develop my skills and contribute to the art of storytelling.
“Film-making is time-consuming, which may be an impediment to balancing family and work life but I am coping.”
He added that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is also important just as understanding and support from his wife and children are.
“While there are times when I have to be away for extended periods, shooting films that require my full attention, I make it a priority to dedicate quality time to my family when I am back. I spend over 90 per cent of my time at home, ensuring that we engage in activities together and create cherished memories.”
For relaxation, he immerses himself in nature. “Taking long walks, breathing in the fresh air, and enjoying the beauty of the natural world helps me find inner peace and clarity. Additionally, I enjoy reading books that expand my knowledge and spark my imagination.”
As the curtain fell on the conversation, Oludotun reminded this reporter of his two mantras, which had ordered his steps. “Anything worth doing at all is worth doing well. This mantra reminds me to approach every task, project, or endeavour with dedication, excellence, and attention to detail. It encourages me to give my best effort, regardless of the scale or significance of the undertaking. By embracing this mantra, I believe that I can consistently strive for excellence and achieve fulfillment in everything I pursue: endless enthusiasm, unlocking my full potential and achieving remarkable success,” he concluded.