By Nnamdi Ojiego

For filmmaker Todimu Adegoke, storytelling is more than art, it’s purpose in motion. As a writer, director, producer and advocate for the next generation of Nigerian filmmakers, Adegoke has made a name for himself with grounded, emotionally charged narratives that examine people under pressure and communities in motion. He is a voice of action and structure in Nollywood’s evolving landscape. And nowhere is this more evident than in his film Kari, a taut, time-sensitive drama that captures the emotional storm of a girl, a dreamer with just 72 hours to save a life.

We caught up with Adegoke for an intimate conversation about the making of Kari, the themes that drive him and why he believes every young filmmaker should fight for their story to be heard. Excerpts:

Kari is intense, emotional and rooted in time. What planted the seed for this story?

The idea came from a quiet but heavy place. I was thinking about what it means to have everything on the line and very little time to act. Kari is about a 17-year-old girl who has to save her mother’s life in 72 hours. She is a dreamer like most children, but with lesser opportunities. That ticking clock became a metaphor not just for the situation she’s in, but for life itself. We’re all racing time, so I had to ask; what do we do when love is the only motivator, but time is the greatest enemy?

You wrote, directed and produced the film, that’s a huge creative commitment. How did that triple-role shape the final outcome?

It was both liberating and exhausting, but ultimately worth it. Wearing all three hats meant I had the freedom to stay true to the vision; from the way the characters speak, to the way the camera lingers in a quiet moment. Of course, it came with pressure. I had to constantly shift from creative to logistical thinking but I’ve always believed that a strong story needs a strong steward. For Kari, I needed to be that steward from beginning to end.

Let’s talk about Kari, the character. She’s young, but carries the emotional weight of an entire adult world…

Absolutely. Kari is 17, but she’s fierce. Not because she wants to be, but because she has to be. Her world crumbles suddenly and she has no time to grieve or panic. She takes action. That’s the essence of so many young people today; they’re not waiting for someone to rescue them. They’re building ladders out of nothing and Kari represents that spirit. She’s every girl who’s ever had to grow up too soon.

Your earlier works – Bid, Brunt, Scar and others, seemed to prepare you for this. In what ways did your past projects influence Kari?

Great question. Bid taught me discipline in structure; it was a smaller project but narratively tight. Working on Brunt exposed me to cast dynamics and what it takes to work with a large team. My biggest influence on this project was my training with ace filmmaker, Ben Ope Johnson. Returning from his masterclass, my orientation changed and I realized I had to take things to a new level.

The film is time-bound – 72 hours. Was that reflected in your actual production schedule?

Funny Enough, yes. We intentionally shot the film to follow the story’s timeline. Day scenes were filmed during the day, night scenes at night. It kept the actors grounded and brought authenticity to the emotion. But that approach also meant the crew had to stay sharp around the clock. The clock wasn’t just a plot device, it became a part of our creative rhythm. Of course we didn’t shoot the entire project in 72 hours, but chose the time of the day accordingly.

Beyond the screen, you’ve become an advocate for emerging filmmakers. Did any of that advocacy influence how Kari was produced or distributed?

Yes. One hundred percent. I believe young filmmakers need opportunities not just applause. During Kari, I collaborated with young talents in front of and behind the camera. Some were alumni of Xclusive Hideout, my annual film workshop. The film became more than a project. It was also a platform. The film itself was made for girl child advocacy, to tour schools and colleges around Africa. And that’s one of the legacies I want to keep building.

What’s the key message Kari is passing?

Every child has a dream and the dream is valid. Also, love is action and you don’t need a cape to be a hero. Kari is about strength in silence and movement in stillness.

Looking forward, any projects in the pipeline?

Yes. I’m working on projects with Ace Producer, Chris Odeh. While he decided to hold off on the details, this is quite exciting and a big one to look out for.