Veteran Nigerian filmmaker and
playwright, Biyi Bandele is dead. The news of his death was announced
in a statement issued by his daughter, Temi Bandele, stating that his father
died in Lagos, on Sunday 7th August 2022.
Although the cause of the
death was not revealed, Temi in the statement grieved over the loss of her
father while recounting his contribution to the movie industry.
She wrote: “I am
heartbroken to share the sudden and unexpected death on Sunday 7th of August in
Lagos of my father Biyi Bandele. Biyi was a prodigiously talented writer and
filmmaker, as well as a loyal friend and beloved father.
“He was a storyteller to his
bones, with an unblinking perspective, singular voice and wisdom which spoke
boldly through all of his art, in poetry, novels, plays, and on screen. He told
stories that made a profound impact and inspired many all over the world. His
legacy will live on through his work.
“He was taken from us much too
soon. He had already said so much so beautifully and had so much more to say.
We ask everyone to please respect the privacy of his family and friends as we
grieve his loss.”
The shocking news comes barely
a few weeks before the historical Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
premiere of his latest work ‘Elesin Oba’ the King’s Horseman (2022), which
he adapted from Wole Soyinka’s classic drama, Death & The King’s Horseman,
and directed for EbonyLife Films.
The film is yet to be released
but is slated to be screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, TIFF,
in September.
He had earlier co-directed
Blood Sisters, a 4-part Netflix-original television drama series, also for
EbonyLife Films.
Bandele is popularly known for
directing the movie ‘Half of a Yellow Sun (Shareman Media & State Films,
2013) adapted from Chimamanda Adichie’s novel of the same title; Fifty (Ebony
Films, 2015).
