A film adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s memoir, “The Man Died,” is set for a July release to coincide with the Nobel laureate’s 90th birthday. The film stars Wale Ojo as Soyinka, with a supporting cast including Sam Dede and Norbert Young. Directed by Awam Amkpa and produced by Zik Zulu Film, this adaptation promises a compelling portrayal of Soyinka’s experiences during the Nigerian Civil War.
Soyinka’s memoir, published in 1972, details his 22-month detention as a political prisoner. In 1986, Soyinka made history as the first sub-Saharan African to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. The film aims to capture the essence of his struggles and resilience.
The script, written by Bode Asiyanbi and produced by Femi Odugbemi, has been brought to life under the direction of Amkpa, a distinguished Nigerian-American professor at New York University. Amkpa has shared snippets of the film on Instagram, showcasing his unique directing style that combines technical expertise with visual storytelling.
The ensemble cast includes notable Nollywood actors such as Chidi Mokeme, Segilola Ogidan, Edmund Enabe, and Francis Onwochei, alongside supporting roles by Christiana Oshunniyi, Simileoluwa Hassan, and Abraham Amkpa. Wale Ojo expressed his pride in portraying Soyinka, calling it a career highlight.
Shot primarily in Ibadan, Oyo State, the film has Soyinka’s personal blessing, adding authenticity to the project. The memoir itself offers an introspective account of Soyinka’s inner dialogue during imprisonment, providing a unique narrative structure.
This adaptation follows the success of EbonyLife’s 2022 Netflix film “Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman,” based on Soyinka’s 1975 play. Soyinka’s literary legacy includes influential works such as “The Lion and the Jewel” (1959) and “Aké: The Years of Childhood” (1981). His latest novel, “Chronicles From The Land of the Happiest People On Earth,” published in 2021, continues to affirm his status as a literary icon.
The film adaptation of “The Man Died” aims to bring Soyinka’s powerful story to a global audience, celebrating his contributions to literature and human rights.
The Man Died Official Trailer
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