Biodun Stephen

Biodun Stephen is a Nigerian film director, writer and producer, who specialize in romantic drama and comedy films. She has been noted for getting inspiration for the title of her films, from the main character names as depicted in the film with Tiwa's Baggage, Ovy's Voice, Ehi's Bitters and Sobi's Mystic as notable examples.

Biodun Stephen Oladigbo
Born
Biodun Stephen
Alma materObafemi Awolowo University
London Film Academy
OccupationFilmmaker
Years active2014–present

Personal life and education

Biodun Stephen is married.[1] She is an alumna of Obafemi Awolowo University, where she studied philosophy. After-which, she underwent practical film production training at London Film Academy.[2]

Career

Biodun Stephen began her film-making career in 2014, with the release of The Visit. The film was praised for minimal yet insightful cast, as well as the story and originality. It received two nominations at 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards in Lagos.[3] During an interview with Tribune on various facets of her career, she recalled that acting was her "first love", but didn't have a breakthrough in it hence her decision to improve by attaining new skills abroad. She describes the provision of a platform to communicate with the world as her motivation for delving into film-making.[4] In 2017, Stephen film, Picture Perfect received five nominations, and won two awards at the 2017 Best of Nollywood Awards, for categories best actor in a lead role (Bolanle Ninalowo) and best use of food in a film.[5][6] She also won best director award at the 2016 Maya Awards.[7] Speaking to Guardian on the origin of her love stories, Stephen stated "I draw inspiration from my experiences, my pains, my joys, sad moments in my life and in the lives of people around me".[2] For her directorial role in Tiwa's Baggage, she was nominated for best director at 2018 City People Movie Awards.[8] In August 2018, her film Seven and Half Dates was recommended by Guardian as a film to see in the weekend.[9] In an interview with Nigerian Tribune, Stephen recalled that being nominated for AMVCA has been her most accomplished moment, and provided her with the confidence to continue film-making. She describes Emem Isong and Mary Njoku as individuals within the film sector that inspires her.[1] Her artistry in having some form of titular characters has been highlighted by film critics.[10][11]

Aside film-making, Stephen is also a radio personality, where she anchors a weekend show titled Whispers.[4]

Filmography
Year Film Notes
2015 The Visit Producer. Got 2 nominations at 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.
2016 Picture Perfect Writer and producer. Won 2 awards at 2017 Best of Nollywood Awards.
Happy Ending Writer. Starred Lilian Afegbai and Chika Ike
2017 Glimpse Director, producer and writer. Starred Bisola Aiyeola and Okey Uzoeshi.[12]
Tiwa's Baggage Director, producer and writer. Got nominated for director of the year at 2018 City People Movie Awards.
Sobi's Mystic Director and writer
Ovy's Voice Producer and writer. Starred Mofe Duncan, Shaffy Bello, Bisola Aiyeola and Uche Ogbodo
Tough Love Director and producer. Starred Bolaji Ogunmola, Joshua Richard
2018 Seven and Half Dates Director. Screenplay by Joy Isi Bewaji and produced by Toyin Abraham. Starred Mercy Johnson, Ali Nuhu and Jim Iyke.
All Shades of Wrong Director and writer. Starred Femi Jacobs and Bimbo Ademoye
The Ghost and the Tout Assistant director. Produced by Toyin Abraham
Ehi's Bitters Director, producer and writer. starred Fathia Balogun and Deyemi Okanlawon
Last Days Director. starred Susan Peters, Vivian Metchie, Bimbo Ademoye and Funsho Adeolu[13]

References
  1. Gesinde, Tayo (25 February 2017). "Building and defining one's brand is quite challenging —Biodun Stephen Oladigbo". Nigeria Tribune. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  2. Akutu, Geraldine (29 April 2018). "No better time to be in Nollywood than now". The Guardian. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  3. Izuzu, Chidumga (26 July 2017). "Biodun Stephen is a consistent genius in romantic comedy storytelling". Pulse. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  4. Ige, Rotimi (2 June 2017). "Film-making makes me complete —Biodun Stephen". Daily Tribune. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  5. "BON Awards 2017: A night of rising stars". Vanguard. 23 December 2017. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  6. Izuzu, Chidumga (7 September 2017). "Bolanle Ninalowo, IK Ogbonna, Rachel Okonkwo, "What Lies Within" among nominees". Pulse. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  7. "MAYA Awards Africa". Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  8. "NOMINEES FOR 2018 CITY PEOPLE MOVIE AWARDS [FULL LIST]". City People. 8 September 2018. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  9. NDECHE, CHIDIRIM (31 August 2018). "Three Nollywood Films To Watch in Cinemas This Weekend". The Guardian. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  10. "REVIEW: Technical Challenges Wear Off Large Chunk Of Brilliance In "Ehis' Bitters", But It Still Manages To Remain A Movie That'll Touch You". True Nollywood Stories. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  11. "SOBI'S MYSTIC". Nollywood Reinvented.
  12. "Biodun Stephen Releases Official Glimpse Trailer".
  13. "Last Days".
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