FilmOne Studios, a prominent Nigerian production company, has announced the release of its new film, "Farmer’s Bride," set to premiere in cinemas nationwide on August 27. The studio, fresh off the success of its earlier film "Adire," seems eager to double down on themes that push the envelope in Nollywood storytelling.
"Farmer’s Bride" is a provocative period drama set in 1980s Ibadan, where a wealthy, reclusive farmer named Odun marries a young bride, Funmi, in a bid to cure his loneliness. But instead of a simple romantic tale, the story delves into dark, controversial themes of infidelity and betrayal. Funmi, dissatisfied in her marriage, enters into a forbidden affair with Odun’s nephew, igniting a chain of events that leads to a narrative entangled with supernatural elements.
The film stars a notable cast, including Tobi Bakre, Gbubemi Ejeye, Femi Branch, Mercy Aigbe, Efe Irele, and Wumi Toriola, all of whom are set to bring this contentious story to life under the direction of Adebayo Tijani and Jack’enneth Opukeme.
However, not everyone is thrilled with FilmOne's choice of storyline. Critics argue that the film’s themes of extramarital affairs and the supernatural may be too provocative and potentially offensive to conservative audiences.
Despite the controversy, Kene Okwuosa, Co-founder and Group CEO of the Filmhouse Group, defended the film, stating, "At FilmOne Studios, we are dedicated to telling authentic African stories that resonate with audiences both locally and globally. 'Farmer's Bride' is a testament to our commitment to producing high-quality content that showcases the talent and creativity of the Nigerian film industry."
FilmOne Studios remains steadfast in its mission to bring authentic African stories to a global platform, even if it means courting controversy along the way. With "Farmer’s Bride," they continue to push boundaries, making it clear that they are not afraid to tackle challenging and complex narratives, no matter how polarizing.
