Meet Dr Jasper Aziegbemhin Who Abandoned Optometry for Nollywood: "Filmmaking Feels Like a Calling"
Dr Jasper Aziegbemhin is the CEO of a budding film production company, Golden Mhinutes Pictures, despite earning a qualification as a Doctor of Optometry.
Born in Edo state, Aziegbemhin found passion in filmmaking and promoting the Edo/Benin culture through films. His recent film Idia is a paranormal thriller deeply rooted in Edo mythology and Nigerian cultural heritage.
Aziegbemhin ventured into Nollywood as an undergraduate and combined studying with acting. He claimed that being raised in Edo helped shape his storytelling and cultural appreciation skills.
The optometrist spoke exclusively with Legit.ng about his career switch, people's reactions and where filmmaking will lead him. Excerpts.
From Doctor of Optometry to filmmaker
After spending six to seven years qualifying as a doctor of optometry, Dr Jasper Aziegbemhin said he no longer practices the profession he felt would take him to greater heights while growing up.
"Sadly no. I’m currently fully immersed in this filmmaking journey. Let’s see where it takes me."
Source: Instagram
Family and friends' reaction to abandoning Optometry for filmmaking
Parents are always excited and filled with pride when their children gain admission to study medicine or other related courses. Aziegbemhin shares his loved ones' reaction to his newfound love, filmmaking.
"I’ve always loved movies, and for me, it always felt like a calling. One thing led to another, and here I am. No surprise to my family, as I’d always write 'would-be' novels and books growing up. My friends, however? One of my guys once asked me, "Bro why?" Almost like he thought I had made a terrible decision to be a filmmaker."
From writing would-be novels to filmmaking
While some of his friends were disappointed that he left optometry, Dr Aziegbemhin claimed his friends in the creative field helped him find his path in filmmaking. He narrated:
"In 2019, a group of friends in the creative space and I came together and decided to make a short film we called Children of the Night. It was an audacious project as well. It still streams on YouTube; you should see it."
From making films for YouTube to the cinemas
After years of making movies for YouTube channels, Aziegbemhin has made progress in the creative field, aiming higher and bigger. He recently worked on a film, Idia, which holds a significant place in the history of the Edo/Benin people.
"As a Benin boy, I grew up hearing about the great Queen Idia and her conquests. Our film Idia is an Edo mythology with a modern twist, and I cannot wait for everyone to experience it in cinemas this Halloween."
“ Other movies I have worked on include Prey, which is one of my favourite projects. It’s a short piece that tackles male child sexual abuse. It’s a story that resonated with a lot of viewers, especially those with similar experiences, and it was emotional, even for me as the filmmaker. There’s also the romantic-drama film project called Tide starring Kunle Remi, Uche Montana and Kalu Ikeagwu. I was in my third year of doctoral school when I made the film. I remember shuffling between Lagos and the University of Benin for production, really good times."
Dr Aziegbemhin co-produced Idia with Yvonne Ajoki. It stars seasoned Nollywood actors like Mercy Aigbe, Linda Osifo, Gbubemi Ejeye, and Tope Tedela. The film also has veteran filmmaker-turned-actor Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen playing a significant role in bringing Idia to life with gripping performances and cultural depth. It was co-directed by Ese Ariremu and Jide 'Jblaze' Oyegbile."
Source: Instagram
While noting that Nollywood has evolved and is gradually making an impact in the global market just like Afrobeats, the producer of Idia still believes a lot still has to be done. He said:
"Storytelling. We need to channel our focus into creating good stories."
Hakeem Effect speaks on his special effects career
Legit.ng earlier had an interview with Nollywood special effects expert, Hakeem Onilogbo, famously known as Hakeem Effect.
Hakeem spoke about his foray into Nollywood as an actor and discovering his hidden talent, which has won him many awards and accolades in the last six years.
Hakeem's transformation makeup skills saw him collaborating with top figures, which led him to work on big films in Nigeria.
Source: Legit.ng
