Steve Olufemi Sodiya, a seasoned filmmaker with over 30 years of experience, stands as a prominent figure in the Nigerian film industry.
Serving as the CEO of Nukoncept Studio, Sodiya has showcased his versatility as a producer, director, editor, consultant, and post-production supervisor throughout his illustrious career.
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His journey in filmmaking has been marked by collaboration with industry legends and a commitment to maintaining quality standards.
As a member of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) and a Board of Trustee (BOT) member of the Association of Motion Picture and Entertainment Editors of Nigeria (AMPEEN), Sodiya has been an influential force in shaping the landscape of Nigerian cinema.
Sodiya’s extensive portfolio includes notable projects such as Figurine, The Wedding Party, The King of Boys (both parts), Ayinla, Ijakumo, Kofa, and his latest endeavor, Malaika.
One of the influential figures in Sodiya’s filmmaking journey is the living legend, Tunde Kelani (TK). Working closely with TK, Sodiya gained insights into various filmmaking concepts, leading him to focus on gatekeeping quality control in post-production for Nollywood films. This strategic decision allowed him to study diverse storytelling approaches while ensuring impeccable final outputs.
In discussing the art of storytelling, Sodiya emphasized that the quality of a story depends on the storyteller and their presentation. Nollywood, with its abundance of captivating stories, has provided fertile ground for filmmakers like Sodiya. For instance, in the film Malaika, Sodiya chose to present a family story from multiple perspectives, deviating from a linear approach.
“Most times humans refuse to look inwardly when they have a challenge but rather blame external forces. Nollywood has come of age, and it is time to bring a new game to the table,” Steve explained.
Reflecting on the early days of filmmaking in Nigeria, Sodiya recalled the pioneering efforts of Alade Aromire in home video movies. This period, coupled with Sodiya’s background in an advertising agency, fueled his entry into the film world.
For Sodiya, filmmaking has always revolved around the story. He drew parallels between his feelings before working on the projects Afonja in 2002 (written by Adebayo Faleti) and King of Boys by Kemi Adetiba, highlighting the significance of storytelling in his craft.
Addressing the evolution of Nollywood, Sodiya acknowledged the initial limitations imposed by limited resources. However, with the industry now embracing endless possibilities, the creative process has undergone a significant transformation. Netflix’s recognition of Nigerian filmmakers and provision of masterclasses further attests to the global potential of Nollywood.
Sharing insights into the challenges faced, Sodiya pointed to his recent film, Ijakumo, as one of the most demanding projects. Balancing the past and present, cultural depth and modern-day lifestyle required meticulous attention. The three-day-long fight sequence posed a substantial challenge, overcome through collaboration with professionals like stunt coordinator Mr. Nollywood David Ugeonyemechi and special effects expert Hakeem Effects.
Sodiya’s productions consistently make a mark, either breaking the box office or receiving prestigious awards. In 2023, the project he co-produced, Kofa, earned Best Film awards at the AMAA Awards and Afriff.
Believing in the importance of reproducing oneself through training and impact, Sodiya emphasizes the ease of handling multiple projects when surrounded by trustworthy and competent individuals.
In his latest film, Malaika, Sodiya faced the unique challenge of directing a scene featuring over a hundred children in the ‘Ewe Orun’ sequence. Managing children on set is inherently challenging, and when coupled with a VFX scene, meticulous attention to detail was crucial.
Steve Sodiya’s journey in filmmaking continues to showcase not only his technical prowess but also his dedication to pushing the boundaries of storytelling and cinematic excellence. His legacy serves as an inspiration for aspiring filmmakers in Nigeria and beyond.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
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