Farmer’s Bride director, Opukeme speaks on core message, lessons behind the film

Jack’eneth Opukeme, the director of Farmer’s Bride, has shared insights into the film core message and the lessons it aims to impart.
Opukeme who co-directed the film with Adebayo Tijani made this disclosure while speaking to a select group of journalists on Thursday during the Movie Press Screening in Lagos.

Drawing inspiration from the character of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not to Blame, the film director believes that humanity is complex, and it is difficult to predict how people will react when pushed into a tight corner.

He explained that if Funmi had not been forced by her parents to marry the wealthy farmer against her consent, the tragic fate that befell both her and Femi could have been avoided.

In his words, “Humanity is complex. You can’t control my reaction after putting me in a tight corner. I hope people get the message that the monster we made is what will hunt us tomorrow. The message of the film is that if we had just left a central character alone, a lot of things wouldn’t have happened.”

The movie Farmer’s Bride tells the story of Odun, a wealthy farmer who becomes lonely in his old age due to his inability to find love. His dream of companionship is briefly fulfilled when he marries a young bride, Funmi, who was forced into the marriage by her parents.

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Unable to find love and happiness in the marriage, Funmi becomes entangled in an illicit affair with Odun’s nephew, Femi. The consequences of their actions unravel the tale of love, betrayal, disappointment and a tragic end.

Released in cinemas on Friday September 27, 2024, the film features a stellar cast, among whom are Tobi Bakre, Gbubemi Ejeye, Femi Branch, Mercy Aigbe, Efe Irele, and Wumi Toriola.