Trendy Film Report: Andy Amadi Okoroafor’s Relentless

The 19^th New York African Film Festival is currently underway in New York City, and one of the films being heralded this year is Relentless, a gritty and edgy thriller by Nigerian born and Paris based director, Andy Amadi Okoroafor.

 Set in the appropriately scenic city of Lagos, Nigeria, the thriving metropolis offers the perfect backdrop that accommodates all the restless energy and tension being evoked by the main characters.

The story centers on Obi, played convincingly by Gideon Okeke, who tries to navigate through a haze of unspeakable loss, constant violence and haunting memories while still trying to maintain a level of sanity. Obi is presented as a dutiful and honorable soldier who serves time in Sierra Leone and falls for one of the native women. She is brutally attacked but the local rebels and consequence of this senseless crime is the focal point of this emotionally charged story.

Nigerian hip/soul singer Nneka, who is also of German extract via her mother, is featured on the soundtrack as well as in the film, playing a high-class call girl who comes with a lot of baggage.

Andy Amadi Okoroafor has a background that undoubtedly explains his instinctual qualities as an all round artist and legitimate member of the filmmaking tribe. He is an accomplished Art Director whose clients have included Jean Paul Gaultier and Galeries La Fayette. He also oversees Clam Magazine, a quarterly publication that aims to expose the best Africa has to offer in the artistic world.

MyTrendyBuzz had the opportunity to find out the driving force behind this budding innovator.

MTB: You left your native Nigeria for France to immerse yourself in the world of fashion which led to you directing music videos and dabbling in art directing. How did that experience enhance your capabilities as a film director?

Andy: Studying at the Conservatoire de Paris helped me delve into the theology of cinema and also grasp the mastery of imagery. It was a very good training ground for me because it challenged all of my facets. The teachers are absolute professionals and the environment provided the base that I needed to help shape my own style and vision. It taught me how to collaborate with people, and respect craftsmanship, and teamwork.  And I developed a humility and respect for the craft.

MTB: Your film Relenteless explores the challenges of dealing with tragedy and the consequences that come with isolation and utter desperation. What kinds of emotions were you hoping to evoke from your audience?

Andy: I want the audience to feel the confusion, stress and sense of urgency that the main character can’t seem to escape. There is a lot of turbulence in his life so it’s critical that those emotions are transferred. There is no room for any voyeurism but just hoping that the world is seen through his eyes and all of those emotions are internalized. I give the audience the key to decide what they are hoping to find.

MTB: Can you explain the casting process for the film? 

Andy: Part of the process was genuinely accidental but all the actors turned out to be phenomenal Singer Nneka dropped by the set for a visit and I was still looking for the role of the prostitute and she had an innocence about her that convinced me she was right for the part. She read the script and was touched by it. So she auditioned and blew me away and I ended up offering her the role. The main character, Obi needed to be a strong but also sensually fragile. Gideon Okeke was my only choice and when he came in for a reading, it was glaringly obvious he was perfect for the part.  He displayed all the emotions needed to carry the role. I am definitely proud of all the actors.

MTB: As a filmmaker you must have major influences that help steer your craft, can you elaborate on them?

Andy: I am drawn to directors like David Lynch, Terence Malick, Won Kar-Wai, and Spike Lee. They all have a strong personal vision about filmmaking and their films are very stylized and personalized in a way that distinguishes them from the pack.

I certainly aim for that; I want to make films that go beyond the filmmaking code.

MTB: How important was the soundtrack during the process of filmmaking?

Fela Kuti played a big part when it came to how I wanted the film to look and sound but since he is obviously deceased, I relied on music composer, Tony Allen, who was the musical director of Fela’s band back in the 70’s to help recall the afro-beat elements of that era. I also wanted to include the roster of new talents on the horizon. I needed a good balance and a reflection of the past present. A film based in Lagos has to have the afro-beat sound and also the excitement of all the new artists. It helps you understand the sound of the city and that holds the film together.

MTB: Did filming in Nigeria present any challenges?

Andy: It was difficult especially when it came to the night shots. All the logistics took a little bit longer to iron out but we managed to overcome them. The infrastructure was shaky, due to the lack of electricity, security, etc. But nothing is impossible so we found a way to make it happen against all the odds.

MTB: How would you summarize the state of affairs in the African Film industry?

Andy: I have to say that I am impressed by the growing popularity of Nollywood. That seems to be the only recognized and respected film industry in Africa.  Whether good or bad they have an audience unlike other independent films, and they don’t have to depend solely on grants. They are now attracting legitimate investors, which is a testament to their validity. It proves that people are taking Nollywood seriously and that is impressive.

MTB: How does your film Relentless demonstrate your signature style as a director and what other projects do you have in the pipeline?

Relentless announces the fact that my films will be visual, stylized, and strong with brooding characters that are emotionally driven.

I will be leaving New York shortly to work on an inspiration piece for an art gallery based in Johannesburg, South Africa. I can’t say too much about it but I begin shooting the second week of May.

For more about Relentless, visit www.clamfilms.com