By Damiete Braide
Vision Drama Missions Outreach International Abuja and All Nigeria Conference of Evangelical Drama Ministers (ANCEDRAM), Kano State chapter, has collaborated to produce a movie entitled The Traditionalist which combines faith, culture, and a message inspired by the Bible.
The movie is produced and directed by Felix Bankole (Vision Drama Missions Outreach International Abuja) and Ajayi Joseph (ANCEDRAM), while members of cast include: Ajayi Joseph, Sunday Isaiah Olude, Monday Olasoetan, Sarah John, Mary Fadeyi, Joshua Olusola, Samuel Damian, Stephen Audu, Emmanuel Temitope and Tosin Samson, among others.
According to Felix Bankole, “This project is more than just a film; it was a calling for me, and I felt the Holy Spirit guiding me to present the story uniquely —entertaining yet profoundly evangelical, with a rich infusion of African culture, particularly that of the Hausa people.
From the outset, Bankole envisioned something different. When he first encountered the story, he saw a picture in his mind’s eye —a vivid, compelling image that he was determined to bring to life. His goal was to create a film that would not only entertain but also deliver a strong message of evangelism. He wanted the audience to be enthralled by the tale of a great gladiator warrior from Northern Nigeria and, more importantly, to be blessed by its spiritual message.
The Traditionalist centers around a mighty warrior, whose life is a testament to trust in the Lord rather than relying on one’s understanding. The film is set against the backdrop of Hausa culture, providing a visually rich and authentic context for its narrative. The decision to incorporate such a cultural setting was deliberate. Bankole aimed to showcase the beauty and depth of African traditions while simultaneously delivering a powerful evangelical message. This blend of faith and culture posed a significant challenge, given the often diabolical nature of some African practices. It required divine wisdom to adapt these elements in a way that communicated the gospel effectively.
Bankole’s passion for the project was evident in every aspect of the production. He took on multiple roles, including directing and even taking up the clippers to shave the heads of the actors playing gladiators. This act of dedication was mirrored by Sunday Isaiah Olude, the lead character, who also shaved his head, a symbolic gesture of giving his Isaac, a sacrifice to honour his role. The production was filled with such moments of dedication and divine intervention.
One of the most challenging aspects of the production was the gladiator fight scenes. Bankole, who was both directing and shooting these scenes, had to film multiple takes on a hillside. The scene where a dead man floats on water was particularly challenging, but Bankole credits the Holy Spirit for guiding him through it. Another major challenge was the horse scenes. They rented two horses from the palace, but none of the actors knew how to ride. They had to learn on set, and the lead character, who played the traditionalist, took the risk of riding a particularly stubborn horse. His commitment to the role was a testament to his dedication to the project and his faith.
The Traditionalist is not just a film; it is a testament to the power of faith and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Bankole acknowledges that the project’s success was not solely due to human effort but also to divine guidance. Every decision, from the casting to the final cut, was influenced by prayer and reliance on God’s wisdom. This reliance on divine inspiration was crucial in bringing the story to life and delivering its evangelical message effectively.
Watching The Traditionalist, along with his previous works, like Chalita and Samari, Bankole sees the hand of God at work, weaving faith and culture into a compelling narrative.
Bankole has several upcoming projects, including Samari, a powerful production by Mount Zion Institute Northern Nigeria, which he also wrote and directed. Other forthcoming projects are The Macedonian Call, The Legal Wife Season 2, and Uche Johnson Episode 2. These projects continue his mission to blend spirituality and excellence in filmmaking.