An exclusive interview with popular actor, writer, producer ... ORE OFE WILLIAMS with naija trace... see details

naija trace... see details
Oreofe Williams known for his hit movie 'Awo Jesu' has just granted a media interview and ready to premiere another hit movie on 30th October 2016 titled ORISA MIMO.
The gospel movie producer disclosed how he grew up , his experience, on his latest movie and lots more.
See excerpts from his interview with naija trace below:

1. Sir at what age did you discover that you would be a theatre person and how did you start?
I was very young. I remember locking myself up in the room in Ososa to write drama scripts when I was in JSS2. My friends then, loved my scripts. It grew big later as my friends, Seun Adenowo, Seun Osiboye and others patronised me by reading those plays. I started small. I had always wanted to be in theatre productions since I was young.

2. You started fully from the stage, what was the experience like?​
The stage is the real primary platform for great actors. It is the space for training and development. Any actor who doesn't have a training or professional experience of the stage is half-baked or not baked at all. I love the stage passionately...so so passionately. I have written lots of stage plays. The first play I produced in Ogun State University had less than 12 spectators. The last I staged had the then Governor of Ogun State Otunba in attendance. I didn't know him personally but he came when I invited him. We had more than 1,000 spectators that day. That happened because I just did not give up. Most of the celebrities I work with today I got to know when I invited them to watch my plays. There are those doing well today who were members of my campus group: Femi Sanyaolu, Oba Adeoye who is now a Director at LTV, Ronke Odusanya, Tunde Bernard- Babatee, Bisola Badmus, Tobi Awosoga did fantastic jobs with me in OREOFE THEATRE FOUNDATION. I remember somebody asking me to decast Bisola Badmus in a play then but I said That play became a springboard for her. Some of the celebrities we brought to watch our play saw them and employed them in movies
For me, it was a fulfillment

3. What was the reaction of your parents when you started?
They of course wanted me in the science class because it was a misconception that only dullards went to the art class but I insisted and they left me alone


4. Why did you focus more on film production over stage performances now?​
For economic reasons number one. If you want to stage plays like Tyler Perry, you need sponsors.

5. Are there you wished you were not a faith based actor?​
It's like asking if Christ wished he didn't come to save the world. I am on an enviable mandate I love so passionately

6. As a Film scholar sir, what can you say about theatre art then and now​
Technology is now available than before. Then you would ask stage actors to project on stage. Now, we use clip microphones. I think it's better.

7. When did the big break come?
The big break is about to come, its very close (laughs)

8. Are those producers now comfortable that you use secular actors in your movie?​
I think we do not need to bother ourselves about those who feel good or bad about our mandate. If you intend to please everybody, you may never arrive at your destination

9. Why don’t you do Nollywood movies?​
Everyone has his mandate and his calling and time is also a peculiar factor. However, I do not believe there are secular movies or Gospel movies. A movie is a movie. A University is a University. Even faith based Universities handle their courses like others. With this mentality, we will handle films as films and project our themes from our various perpectives.

10. Since you got born again at a young age, that means you didn’t do what normal young boys did; and it is believed that if you didn’t do those things then, there is a probability you would do them now…​
(Laughs) Whose theory is that oooo?I was a day student for 6 years in the secondary school and was brought up by a highly disciplined grandmother. So my background didn't permit any carelessness. Now even I want to be stupid, I can no longer be stupid.

11. You originated ‘Christ-o-theatre’ and frown at the use of the name ‘Christian drama’. What is the philosophy behind it?​
Christocinema is a coinage that employs the total message of Christ in the cinema. As an academic researcher, I discovered that the use of the name 'Christian Drama' is an ignorant limitation. It is even better to use 'faith-based' as prefix. Have you not noticed that several people don't buy our so called 'Christian' films? It is believed that they are inferior to other genres. This starts from the name. We are not sent to Christians alone but to the world.

12. You can only be seen in your own movies. Why don’t you participate in other movies?​
Time. Time. Time. I think I sleep three to four hours everyday and I do not want anything to tamper with that. However I have been part of some international projects like GOD BEHIND BARS and THE GOD OF ELIJAH. They are films by the REDEMPTION TV in South Africa. I also find time to support my mentees too. I want them to develop too.

13. You have been having ‘Awo Jesu’ festival for some years now. What is the idea behind it?​
That is a conference during Easter from GOOD FRIDAY to EASTER SUNDAY. It gathers all our members from across the world and talents too. Evang Tope Alabi has been there twice. Prince Yemi Shodimu attended the last two with Uncle Yemi Sonde. We would gather for 3 days and celebrate at THE CITY OF TALENTS, our film estate in Ibadan.

14. Sir you have written and produced great films to be reckon with years back from Adeoti, ilekun Gomorrah, Awo jesu and more and here comes Orisa mimo, what should we expect sir?​
ORISA MIMO deals with psychology. It also tells you to honour and appreciate your mum. THE premiere holds on Sunday 30 October at RCCG zion sanctuary 1b Idowu Ajao street, Anthony, AJAO estate by 4pm at RCCG zion sanctuary 1b Idowu Ajao street, Anthony, AJAO estate by 4pm

15. Orisa mimo features veteran and well known actors, does it mean you are beginning to yield to producer's request?​
Producers' request? If you follow us properly, we have been using them since day 1

16. What is your long term vision?​
One of such is to help and build people in their millions

17. Your words for building Faith based film makers?​
My word is for them to be sure of their calling before they start. There are many shooting films today who don't have any business there. Everybody can't become the head. But nowadays I see all of us striving to become the president. A Bishop said he would rather be no 2 in God's plan than become no 1 in his plan. I have seen very gifted people who lost the track just because they can't remain under others and be properly built. You find a good platform for projection, faithfully commit to it no matter what. Even when you are starting yours, maintain a solid relationship with your master for posterity reasons. A lot of people misplace opportunities because of this.
Thank you sir​