Contrary to the opinion by the new generation of film makers that all you need to produce a good film is access to a lot of funds, Ace Cinematographer and Master storyteller Tunde Kelani says “the primary decider is high level creativity. In fact, access to too much money can constitute hindrance to the overall quality of the production”.
Tunde Kelani popularly known as TK, was guest on THE WEEKEND KICKOFF, hosted by Ambrose Somide on Smailz Radio, 98.7 FM, legendary cinematographer- Tunde Kelani, on Friday April 4,2025.
He said too much funding may be a distraction luring the production team to place priority on latest sophisticated equipment, rather than deep research and engaging more creative experts.
TK featured on the programme from Oyo, a day before the coronation of the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, where he was on duty according to him documenting history.
“It is an opportunity to document one of the most important cultural events in Yoruba land”. It is a rare privileged to have witnessed the crowning of late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi as Alaafin of Oyo in 1971, as a member part of WNBS crew that covered the event and to also be on the ground for the new Alafin’s coronation.
On his career choice, Tunde Kelani said that, as a growing child, his dream was to become a professional photographer and had begun early to invest in available cameras before his vision swayed after several visits to cinema halls like Casino, Metro, Odion, Plaza, Roxie etc. He then developed a burning passion for cinematography.
Young Tunde began his professional training and at WNTV/WNBS, Ibadan in 1971 and in the search for deeper knowledge, Tunde Kelani applied and was admitted in London Film School, where he got unequalled training about film production.
On retuning to Nigeria, he spent some two years working with NTA in Lagos, before taking off as an independent film maker.
He delved into his first project on exit from the NTA. It was the adaptation for cinema of a book written by voracious storyteller- Professor Akinwumi Ishola; IDAAMU PAADI MIKAILU. The adaptation which had no less than five producers, recorded in Nigeria, taken to London for processing and returned to Nigeria for finishing.
How would he describe his experience at London School? Hear him ‘’ apart from the professional exposure and the sound practical experience gained, I came from the London Film School with three things that have defined my success
1. No one is an expert
2. You can’t produce what you can’t visualize
3. Creativity diminishes when resources increase
The 77 years of age Tunde Kelani says reading made it easy for him to work with Literary Giants like; Professor Wole Soyinka, Professor Femi Osofisan, Akinwumi Ishola and others.
“I started reading from primary school, I read the whole collections of D.O Fagunwa’s books and many other Nigerian and African writers and so by the time I was ready I had stories in my head” he enthused.
On working with Giants like Prof Wole Soyinka, Prof Osofisan, Pa Adebayo Faleti and others he said, “The relationships are very delicate, so you have to know the stories to be able to interpret properly to the satisfaction of the original writer”.
Born on the 26th of February 1948, Tunde Kelani is a foremost film maker in a career spanning more than for decades.
He specializes in producing films that promotes Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
He is also known for screen adaptation of novels and play.
His production, through MAINFRAME FILMS AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION include TOLUWA NILE, KOSEEGBE, OLEKU, THUNDER BOLT, MAGUN, THE NARROW PATH, MAAMI, AGOGO EEWO, SAWORO IDE and recently AYINLA.
