“Dear Ajayi”, interview with director Damilola Orimogunje and actresses Bimbo Akintola and Tosin Adeyemi

The portrayal of women across generations in “Dear Ajayi”

Dear Ajayi, presented in Giornate degli Autori at the Venice Film Festival, is a Nigerian family drama that explores the complex dynamics between two sisters in southwestern Nigeria during the 1990s. Director Damilola Orimogunje delves into themes of tradition, independence, and personal  growth, using his unique storytelling style to reflect societal tensions and family bonds.

Orimogunje explains that his film serves as a mirror to Nigerian society, illustrating the contrasting ways women respond to cultural expectations. He emphasizes that the characters of Ade and Titi symbolize different approaches, one rooted in duty and faith, the other in artistic expression and independence. The director depicts these women with nuance, avoiding stereotypes, and encouraging to observe rather than judge their choices. Dear Ajayi is an observational piece that invites understanding of the societal pressures shaping Ade and Titi characters.

Religion and art as search for meaning

A central motif in Dear Ajayi is the contrasting roles of faith and music in the sisters’ lives. Orimogunje highlights that the film explores how religion functions as a source of hope and stability, while music becomes a form of silent rebellion and emotional expression. He notes that the character Titi’s singing acts as a voice for her inner struggles, revealing her unspoken needs. The director reflects on how art, whether through music or other forms, can serve as a vital outlet for identity and escape, especially in restrictive environments.

Creating an intimate visual space

Dear Ajayi discusses his deliberate choice to focus on domestic spaces, making the home a character in its own right. He explains that the visual language was designed to foster a sense of stillness and intimacy, to portray the inner world of the Ajayi family. Bimbo Akintola explains how her mother’s approach to deal with family’s needs and dynamics inspired her preparation for the role of Ade, while Tosin Adeyemi talks about her deep connection with music and singing.

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