Dad rejected our plan to remake ‘Agbara Nla’ — Damilola Mike-Bamiloye

A Christian actor and filmmaker, Damilola Mike-Bamiloye, speaks with DAMOLA ADEDIGBA about why they are remaking the 1993 classic movie, ‘Agbara Nla’, working with his father and other issues

The original Agbara Nla was released in 1993 and became a defining film for Mount Zion Films. What inspired you and your brother, Joshua, to revisit the story more than three decades later?

About four years ago, Joshua and I approached my dad (Mike Bamiloye) with the idea of revisiting some of the old stories, particularly Agbara Nla. We were exploring how some of those stories could be retold in a contemporary setting for a new generation. We played out different scenes in our minds and thought it would be an amazing idea.

We presented the idea to dad, but he told us it was not yet time. We respected that decision and left it at that.

Fast-forward to last year, I was having a conversation with a friend of mine, Chris, who is a producer, about the possibilities within God’s kingdom and filmmaking. Since he had worked on some remakes, I suggested the idea of remaking Agbara Nla.

Initially, it was simply an idea we were exploring, but he became excited about it and immediately felt a strong conviction that it was something we needed to pursue. He said, in essence, “This is it. We have to make it again.”

I explained to him that Joshua and I had previously approached our dad about the idea, but he had told us it was not yet time. However, Chris believed that the timing had changed and that the project could work.

We prayed about it, discussed it with some other friends and eventually went together to meet dad. Surprisingly, he did not discourage us. Instead, he gave us his approval and said, “Yes, go ahead and do it.”

By the grace of God, the idea eventually became a film. Looking back, the entire process of making ‘Agbara Nla: The Return’ feels almost like a dream. Everything seemed to unfold according to God’s plan.

We shot the film in about 20 to 21 days, and after that, things continued to fall into place. Looking back now, I believe that if we had made the film when we initially wanted to, it might not have had the same level of impact.

When dad told us four years ago that it was not yet time, it was simply because it was not yet time. In retrospect, we can see that the timing was part of God’s plan.

For people who watched the original Agbara Nla, how much of the original storyline should they expect to see in the remake?

We are bringing the entire story into this new film. All the characters are represented, and the story, from beginning to end, is captured in the new production.

The original film appealed to the generation, age and time in which it was made. This new one, however, is designed to appeal to this generation, this age and this time.

So, we are bringing the same story but presenting it in a modernised way. The story remains the same, but it has been adapted to reflect contemporary realities.

Most importantly, we believe the same degree of spiritual power is present in this new production. In fact, when the cast and crew watched the completed film, we could feel the power of God emanating from the screen and impacting everyone.

The original dealt heavily with spiritual warfare, cultism and the supremacy of God’s power. What contemporary issues did you introduce to make these themes relevant to today’s audience?

Agbara Nla is not just a story; it is God’s word. The beauty of God’s word is that it is everlasting. Its impact remains relevant across generations. Just like the Bible, which was relevant in the past and remains relevant today, God’s word does not fade away or expire.

What we are essentially doing is acting out God’s word and demonstrating the power of God, and that message remains relevant. The new film contains all the elements of the original, including spiritual warfare, because the life we live is actually more spiritual than physical.

Whatever happens in the physical has its roots in the spiritual. That is why the film teaches the importance of spiritual warfare, holding on to God and allowing Him to fight our battles. It also emphasises the importance of seeking God’s kingdom first, which should be our priority.

There are many lessons to learn from the movie. However, I implore everyone to go to the cinema and discover those lessons for themselves. What affects me personally or what I take away from the film may be entirely different from what another person gains from it.

I do not want to limit the scope of the film by defining what everyone should take away from it. I believe that when you watch it, it will speak to you differently and uniquely, depending on what you are going through at that particular point in your life.

Your father returns as Isawuru. What was it like directing him in a role that has become iconic among Mount Zion fans?

It was a very emotional process for me because I remember that when he played Isawuru in 1993, I was only four years old. I watched the film, loved it and went back home trying to imitate everything he did.

I remember gathering my siblings and reenacting some of the scenes from the original film. I would play Isawuru, pick up a leaf and recite some of the incantations, even though I would often get the words completely wrong.

I also remember watching my dad do his own make-up. He would apply the make-up himself and put powder on his hair to make himself look older.

Now, seeing him step into the same character without having to use powder or makeup to appear older, but instead playing Isawuru at his actual age, is remarkable.

Back then, he was trying to portray a man in his 50s or 60s. Now, he is 60, so he was able to step into the character naturally and bring a different depth to it.

In essence, it became even better. It was an amazing and wonderful experience for my brother, Joshua, and I.

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You are not only directing the film, but also playing the role of Kola. How did you balance being behind the camera with also being an actor in such an important production?

I thank God for His grace, and also for my brother who stepped in as the co-director. When I’m on set, Joshua is directing, and when I’m not on set, I pick up the directing and continue with it.

The original was largely experienced through television and home video. Why is the return going to the cinemas nationwide?

As a matter of fact, we need to understand that Agbara Nla was written with the cinema in view. We had several post-productions and script edits. We had to look through the script over and again. We had so many people come together, bringing their thoughts and opinions, just to fit the cinema standard.

So, it’s not just from one person’s lens. It’s a movie that was cooked with different lenses of different people and different professionals.

So, when you’re watching it, you’re having a real cinematic experience, not just watching drama or people having long conversations. You’re seeing action, you’re seeing thriller, you’re seeing everything.

There’s a generation that grew up with the original Agbara Nla, while many young Nigerians may be encountering the story for the first time. How did you make the film appeal to both generations without losing the identity of the original?

The message is the same, but the technicality and the approach to delivering the message are different. So, it’s done with so much excellence in mind.

We used one of the best and latest cameras, to the glory of God. These are very expensive cameras to rent, but God provided the funds. We also used a lot of equipment, added graphics and illustrations, and had so many special effects.

All of that is to appeal to this generation. We believe it is going to get the attention of the new generation and bless them. Because whatever we do, the entertainment value that we put there is that evangelistic essence that will hit them and win them over to Christ, which is our core objectives: winning souls.

Your father has described Agbara Nla as a story whose journey began as far back as 1987. What does it mean to you personally to be part of the generation bringing this vision into a new era?

I feel blessed, privileged and honoured. I thank God that my father is alive to be part of this experience. It is a great privilege to be part of this new era, and to God be the glory.

The trailer has already generated a lot of curiosity and nostalgia. Without giving away spoilers, what should audiences expect from the movie?

There’s a lot in the original that you’ve not seen. For example, the first chapter of the film was originally written by me. There’s a reference to the original film so as to give a better background to who Isawuru is and the things that he did in the original film.

The original started with Isawuru just doing evil, but now we have more insight into who this man really is. We have the king character, which was not in the original film, and the kingdom of Muwonleru, which was also not in the original film. We have the altercation between the king and Isawuru, which was not in the original film. So, there’s a lot that has been added.

However, the things added are not to take away the essence of the film, but to validate the power and storytelling technique of the film.

What has kept Mount Zion’s vision alive despite challenges in filmmaking?

The word of God is what has kept the ministry alive. The fact that there are many voices, but the only voice that our father stuck to and that has been passed down to us, is the voice of God.

That’s the voice that we are passing to the next generation. The word of God is alive and is sharper than any two-edged sword.

How have you been able to overcome the challenges of Christian filmmaking?

God has really helped us. It has not been easy. There have been ups and downs, but through it all, the grace of God has been sufficient.

And the idea is to just keep our eyes focused on Jesus, who has called us into ministry. If it was the church that called us, then we would have the right to brag or get angry that we’re not being supported enough. But it wasn’t man that called us into this ministry; it was God that called us.

And because God was the one who called us into this ministry, He is going to take care of us. That’s the belief that we have, that He is taking care of us and taking us to the next level.

I believe the next level for Mount Zion is the cinema. And by the grace of God, we are taking over, in Jesus’ name.

How do you hope to preserve Mount Zion’s legacy while embracing new ideas?

By holding on to God’s Word and sticking to His Word. That’s the core of everything we’re doing, to win souls and evangelise through drama.

Even as we embrace new ideas and new approaches, the foundation remains the same: God’s Word, winning souls and evangelising through drama.