Billy Kings, a veteran filmmaker (writer, actor, producer and director) who hails from Benin City, shares a lot of wisdom from his years as an experienced creative in this interview with Nosazeme Aimiuwu. Excerpts:

Let’s meet you. Who are you and what do you love to do?

I am Billy Kings, the son of God. I love to write, sing and make movies.

Why do you love filmmaking?

Filmmaking is an ensemble art that I use to express the totality of my being as a multi-talented individual.

Why do you make films?

I make movies to express my innermost being to impact lives positively with my worldview.

Who are your role models?

Jesus Christ is my role model, he is a master storyteller. His parables and illustrations are full of inspirations.

Who would you love to swap your life with?

Jesus Christ.

What is your favourite food?

Amala and vegetable soup.

What was your first filmmaking experience like?

It was challenging but exciting as well because the experience was worth it.

What is your personal philosophy that directs your approach to filmmaking?

I believe in the law of sowing and reaping in life. A lot of people tend to live their lives riotously forgetting that God is not mocked, man reaps whatever he sows. So in telling my stories, I approach it from that perspective.

What inspired your bold dive into filmmaking?

Inspiration from God to use my filmmaking abilities for the purpose of doing his work.

What were your challenges? Expectations? Realities?

The major challenge has been non-availability of sponsors. My expectations has been that if I am consistent, my cloud will have its silver lining and the reality is that my patience is paying off.

Juxtapose your filmmaking experience now with the past.

The past was a child’s play compared to what obtains now especially with the advent of new technologies in filmmaking. With Artificial Intelligence, hmm! You can create a whole new world.

Your top 10 films of all time.
1. Evbakoe. 2. Izogie. 3. Akobe. 4. Ighayevboebo. 5. Enadiakhe. 6. Wicked Agenda. 7. Deadly Razor. 8. Oduma King. 9. Mutilatus. 10. Perfect Woman.

Your top 7 advice for aspiring filmmakers.

1. Purpose (They should define their purpose of going into filmmaking). 2. Find a role model. 3. Give themselves to study. 4. They must have a worldview (an outlook about life). 5. Have a target audience. 6. They must be patient. 7. Work smart.

What are your likes and dislikes?

I like truthful and faithful people. I dislike liars.

Date/Place of birth.

22nd of May 1965. Usen Town, Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State.

What is your biggest project so far?

Bitter Pills (yet to be released).

What filmmaking goal is the most important to you?

Producing faith-based movies on societal issues for positive change.

What are you doing to achieve it?

The screenplay is ready and I am reading it for edit and possible rewrite and additional stories. As we speak, I am studying making movies with AI and possibly incorporate it into the project.

What is your biggest yearning for the progress of filmmaking in Edo State?

I yearn for the Edo language movies to be seen on major platforms of film distribution all over the world. It is a herculean task, but it is achievable.

What do you think about the motto: “Edo To The World”?

The motto should spur all filmmakers of Edo descent to wake up to the call of producing movies in our local dialect and exporting to the world, just like the Indians did with their movies. We have a rich history and culture that the world is waiting to see and learn from.

What would you love to correct or change or improve about Nollywood?

There are too many associations in Nollywood that are doing the same thing. I would love to change that.

What is your perspective about international collaboration (perhaps with Hollywood)?
Nollywood collaboration with Hollywood would be a fantastic idea and a profiting one at that, so long as it won’t affect our values as a people. It would definitely create a larger market and recognition for our film works, and our storytelling.

What’s your final word for those still trying to succeed as filmmakers?

Patience, consistency and keep working.

So, tell us about your upcoming film project?

I will be working on a Bible-based story but will contextualize it to Edo culture.

What makes you excited about it? What do you want the audience to learn from it?
I will be imparting faith and love.

What inspired you to want to make it?

My beliefs.

In your opinion, what “uniqueness”, what special essence does the Edo person bring into the world?

The representation of their culture. The uniqueness of the Edo man and woman is their culture, they are proud of it and would display it anywhere in the world, and that makes me proud as well.

What is your final message – possibly motivational – not just for filmmakers but for every industrious person out there who feels stuck or unappreciated?

One crowded hour of a glorious reign is worth an age without a name. Believe in yourself and your vision and keep working, your hour will come.