A journey through ‘Freedom Way’: A tale of resilience and resistance
Introduction to a powerful narrative
Two Nigerian tech savants and their legal counsel find themselves entangled in a web of state restrictions, brutality, and corruption in director Afolabi Olalekan’s debut feature, Freedom Way. This film is set to make its international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), featured in the Discovery lineup, which celebrates bold global cinema.
The making of ’Freedom Way’
A director’s vision
Choosing Afolabi Olalekan as the director was a natural decision for the production team. His dedication to filmmaking, demonstrated through his short films, made him the perfect fit for this project. The writer-producer, Blessing Uzzi, emphasized the importance of nurturing and developing other creatives through their production company, Bluhouse Studios. This collaboration marked the beginning of a series of partnerships aimed at fostering peer-to-peer collaborations in the film industry.
A narrative-driven approach
Olalekan’s affinity for narrative formats, even in his music videos, made him particularly suited to bring Freedom Way to life. As a Nigerian based in Nigeria, he found it easy to relate to the characters’ experiences, which added an authentic touch to the storytelling. The film’s script resonated with him, and he believed it was a project that many could relate to on various levels.
The plot: A collision of dreams and reality
The entrepreneurial spirit
The film begins by showcasing the charisma and entrepreneurial spirit of its protagonists, whose hopes are quickly dashed by heavily armed law enforcement officers. These officers, tainted with resentment and bestowed with near-impunishable power, set the stage for the protagonists’ struggle.
The protagonists’ journey
The narrative follows Themba (Jesse Suntele) and Tayo (Mike Alfolarin) as they launch their rideshare app, Easy Go, which effortlessly pairs the region’s bustling motorbike drivers with paying customers. Abiola (Adebowale “Debo” Adedayo), a doting father, is set to increase his profits using the app when the government swiftly bans the service. This ban puts both drivers and developers at risk of the law’s merciless enforcement.
Themes of oppression and resilience
Highlighting systemic issues
Freedom Way doesn’t just highlight police brutality; it also explores the government policies that enable such oppression and affect citizens. Through storytelling, the film aims to expose these harmful policies and push for governmental reconsideration of their impact on human lives. The filmmakers believe that awareness and conversation are the first steps toward change.
The interconnected nature of humanity
The film craftily threads its characters together, demonstrating the interconnected nature of humanity. One action reverberates through the entire community, with consequences trickling down until the story comes full circle. The narrative muses on how easily any one of us could be the oppressed or the oppressor, and the time it takes to rectify the ills imparted by those in power.
A reflection on shared experiences
Universal themes
Olalekan believes that our lives and experiences are interconnected, regardless of social class, ethnicity, race, beliefs, or religion. Each character in the film, regardless of their path, is a human striving to make the most out of life. The director hopes that audiences will see themselves in at least one character and reflect on their actions as humans. This reflection can lead to open conversations on ways to move forward and make better decisions.
A global issue
Freedom Way puts a regional spin on poignant global themes, adding to the growing cinematic focus on untamed injustice. While the film reflects the culture and specific circumstances of Nigeria, police brutality is a global issue that transcends borders. Unlawful arrests, harassment, profiling, corruption, and unwarranted violence by the police happen in many places around the world. The filmmakers believe that telling these stories is crucial for creating awareness and inspiring positive change.
The role of film festivals
Reaching a wider audience
Film festivals play an essential role in helping films like Freedom Way reach a wider audience beyond their country of origin. The filmmakers are grateful for the opportunity to showcase their work at TIFF, as it allows them to share their story with a global audience. Watching films from different cultures provides a sense of comfort in recognizing shared challenges and reminds us that we are not alone.
Final thoughts
Freedom Way is a powerful narrative that highlights the resilience and resistance of individuals facing systemic oppression. Through its authentic storytelling and interconnected characters, the film encourages reflection and conversation on important social issues. By sharing these stories, filmmakers hope to inspire change and create a more just and equitable world.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Freedom Way.