Actress Jumoke Odetola Advocates for Yoruba Culture Through Epic Films

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Jumoke Odetola has emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting Yoruba culture through film. Speaking to Saturday Beats, Odetola expressed her joy at the resurgence of Yoruba epic films, stating, "I am so happy we are doing epic stories because they are told in our language and project our culture and tradition. If we don't tell our tales, others will tell them and create their own narratives. It's good that we're telling our own stories."

Discussing how the Yoruba sector of Nollywood can capitalize on the growing interest in its epic films, Odetola said, "Everything unfolds even when we don’t have it all figured out. Opportunities are endless, and though we may not always know where the next step leads, the important thing is that we’re already on the journey. There are no limits to what we can achieve.”

When asked if every story is suitable for the cinema, the 'Higi Haga' actress explained, "Every story has the potential to be worthy of the cinema. It depends on how it is told. For instance, if I travel to London, I could simply say I arrived there. But if I wanted to make it more captivating, I’d show myself waking up, preparing to leave, having some challenges in the car, and arriving at the airport. The power of a story lies in its delivery.”

Odetola's dedication to storytelling and her commitment to preserving Yoruba culture highlights her passion for creating films that resonate with audiences while celebrating the rich traditions of her heritage.