Interview with Mo

SIMPLY MO'

Mosun Abudu arrives on set straight from a series of high octane meetings - yes still mopping up support to achieve the best - and I mean seriously high octane. Light make up, not a bead of stress, at 50, yet her skin has a head turning luminosity. Her funky style today is casual, boyish, in loose boho made pants, but her look is uber-feminine. I'm ultra pleased because she seems happy to take me through her set whilst doing the interview. You know she's my role model, could be yours too. I'm meeting Mo on set of her latest blockbuster series "Castle and Castle" - A fast moving Legal drama following the lives of a couple, both lawyers - played by Richard Mofe Damijo and Dakore Akande - with differing opinions on who the ideal client should be. Today is the first day of shooting and I'm amazed at how calm Mo is. She's on the phone to check exactly when her lead actors, Dakore Akande and Mofe Damijo, are arriving. She has an aura of invincibility and if you happen to knock her off her stride, she'll just bounce right back up. A real super woman, who is also a firm believer in the people around her, she's extremely supportive of many friends, especially her female ones, believing that more successful women should make the point of supporting others. Being o set is truly fascinating. This is no

film studio but 100sqm of prime Victoria Island real estate that has been set-up as fully fledged Law firm. Totally authentic. As we walk through, I am introduced to many of the actors and actresses. I came across the first case of a man who sleeps and wakes up to find his "manhood" missing, accusing the girlfriend of "juju", he immediately takes the case to Castle & Castle! This is extremely witty and entertaining but I also want to talk to Mo about her latest blockbuster that has won her so many accolades

Q: A short profile of the film for which you just received the award

The Royal Hibiscus Hotel is a romantic comedy about a couple, Segun and Rose Adeniyi, who run a charming but run-down hotel in Lagos, Nigeria. In desperation, Segun decides to sell the hotel, without his wife’s knowledge, as a way of settling their debts. Their daughter, Opeoluwa, is living in London, working a dead-end job while trying to open her own restaurant. When Ope decides to return to Nigeria, Mom and Dad are elated for different reasons. Dad wants her to sign the papers to sell the hotel she is destined to inherit, while Mom can’t wait to marry her off. Meanwhile, Ope meets Deji, a charming young businessman with a secret that

threatens her plans to restore the hotel’s fortunes. Can love survive deception and will Ope manage to fulfill her dreams?

Q: You've just received major international accolades at the Toronto International Film Festival, how did that all go?

It went splendidly! The audience thoroughly enjoyed the film and were eager to interact with the cast and crew. We couldn’t have asked for a better response at TIFF. It was mind-blowing and humbling.

Q: How do you see that impacting on your future film production career?

The response at TIFF has encouraged me to continue making the films I believe in – African stories that reflect our multi-faceted lives and go beyond the cliches of war, famine and poverty in Africa. There is another Africa – a bright and burgeoning continent with an ambitious, creative and enterprising core of people – and that story deserves to be told as well. The goal is to make films that connect with global audiences, while making Africans proud.

Q: You also threw a beautiful birthday party in Toronto, was this a coincidence or meticulously planned as in most of your project?

It was a planned event – a lovely, intimate birthday celebration which my team put together. The guests included the cast and crew of the film and a few others.

Q: Unfortunately, Zakaa did not receive the much-coveted invitation but tell us who graced this beautiful event?

The cast and crew of The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, and a number of special guests, including Cameron Bailey, Creative Director, TIFF; Kiva Reardon, Programmer, TIFF; Masai Ujiri, President, Toronto Raptors; Moses Babatope, COO, FilmOne; Foli Coker, DG, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation; and Funa Maduka, Content Acquisition, Netflix.

Q: Your new film was much acclaimed, why do

you think international audiences are able to click with your story telling and directing?

The themes of love, family and following your passion cut across geography and culture. The Royal Hibiscus Hotel was enjoyed by everyone who appreciates quality films that tell positive stories about the continent, as well as those who enjoy romantic comedies but had never seen one with an African twist.

Q: Is there really a difference between Nigerian cinema goers and international ones?

Yes, I think there is. People love interesting, dynamic stories that they can relate to, no matter where they live and Nigerians love Hollywood movies – especially action titles. However, they do like films with Nigerian characters that they can relate to and they have a strong preference for homegrown comedies.

Q: Will you premiere in other major international cities?

At this time, no.

Q: What's the next big move for you in the movie world?

We are working towards the premiere and cinema release of The Wedding Party 2 (sequel to the highest-grossing Nigerian film) in December, as well as developing a movie about the oppression of African people in Nazi Germany called Ava and Duante.

Q: You're also the proud owner of one of Nigeria's leading television stations, what were the major challenges setting up and staying on track?

As with all projects of this nature, the major challenge was funding, along with staffing the most senior positions. Beyond that, we committed to creating high-quality content and have continued to make over 1,000 hours of programming annually.

Q: How would you describe the focus of your station?

We are focused on authentic, quality and entertaining content, made in Nigeria for the world.

Q: Are you pleased with the progress to date?

Yes, very much so. However, there is always room for improvement and we strive to get better every day.

Q: What is missing? To compare to other international stations?

As an entertainment channel, I don’t think anything is missing. We maintain a good balance of drama series, movies, reality, documentaries, talk and showbiz news.

Q: How would you want to make further progress?

Our main aim is to continue improving the quality of our programmes and expanding our reach across the continent and around the world.

Q: Who has been your biggest role model through your career?

Oprah Winfrey. As a woman entrepreneur in broadcasting, there isn’t a better example of success in our industry worldwide.

Q: How have you managed family life with a hectic business schedule?

It’s always challenging to find a balance but I try to find time for family whenever I can. Obviously, it has become easier now that my children are adults.