By Imma Okoro
The rise of YouTube as a medium for filmmakers has been revolutionary, democratizing access to global audiences and providing an avenue for independent creators to showcase their work.
Gone are the days when filmmakers had to rely solely on traditional movie theaters or television networks to distribute their content. With the advent of digital platforms like YouTube, filmmakers now have a direct route to their audiences.
The platform offers a space for both emerging filmmakers and seasoned professionals to upload and share their videos, gaining recognition and connecting with viewers on a personal level.
Adekanla Desalu, a Nigerian filmmaker, has not only embraced this evolution but also established himself as a leading example of how to leverage YouTube to deliver compelling stories. His channel is a testament to the growing trend of creatives bypassing traditional gatekeepers to bring their art directly to viewers.
Adekanla Desalu, known professionally as Deza, is a filmmaker and content creator who has made a significant impact on YouTube, where his channel has grown into a hub for both entertainment and behind-the-scenes glimpses of his creative process. Joining YouTube on August 29, 2013, Deza has evolved from an aspiring filmmaker to a major influencer in the Nigerian film industry, amassing 59.4K subscribers and 6,189,743 total views across 120 videos.
His consistent engagement with audiences on YouTube showcases how filmmakers are increasingly turning to the platform to reach wider audiences, share their work, and even build their brands.
One of the standout examples of his work on YouTube is the film Beyond Perfection, released on July 31, 2024. The film quickly gained popularity, racking up an impressive 2,152,899 views and 29,000 likes.
The movie, which stars Ruth Kadiri, focuses on themes of love, personal growth, and the complexities of relationships. Its success can be attributed not only to its engaging storyline but also to Deza’s effective use of YouTube as a distribution tool.
The platform’s algorithm favors videos that consistently attract engagement. With its high view count and positive feedback, Beyond Perfection is a prime example of the benefits of using YouTube as a medium for film distribution.
Following the success of Beyond Perfection, Deza continued his collaboration with Ruth Kadiri by releasing another film, African Husband, on November 7, 2024.
This film also garnered impressive attention, amassing 1,572,749 views and 28,000 likes within a short period. Through these collaborations and his consistent posting, Deza has maintained his relevance in a competitive industry, showing how YouTube allows filmmakers to reach diverse audiences and engage with fans in real time.
Deza’s films on YouTube often explore themes that resonate with contemporary audiences, focusing on relationships, family, love, and social dynamics, amongst others. His works like Big Love (2023), Role Play (2022), and Flower Girl (2013) highlight his versatility as a filmmaker, tackling everything from romantic drama to societal commentary.
By uploading these films and engaging with his audience through behind-the-scenes content, Deza has carved out a niche for himself as a filmmaker who is not only skilled behind the camera but also personable and relatable to his viewers.
Deza exemplifies the way filmmakers are adapting to the digital age by leveraging platforms like YouTube to share their stories with a global audience. With a growing subscriber base and millions of views, his YouTube channel serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of filmmaking. As the media industry continues to change, Deza’s success underscores the potential of YouTube as a platform for independent filmmakers to thrive.