Caught Between Two Worlds
Daniel, a Christian from northern Nigeria, found himself caught between two major film industries: Kannywood, which is predominantly Muslim, and Nollywood, which is largely Christian. “I found myself in a difficult position because I’m from the north, but I am Christian,” he explained. “Kannywood didn’t fully accept me, and Nollywood didn’t accept me because I was from the north. I felt stuck between two worlds.”
This dual rejection made it difficult for Daniel to gain a foothold in either industry, leaving him isolated and struggling to find his place. However, everything changed when Mai Martaba was selected to represent Nigeria at the Oscars. “The dynamics changed after that,” Daniel said, reflecting on how the film’s international recognition helped him gain acceptance and respect.
Beyond the struggle for industry recognition, Daniel faced significant financial obstacles. “Nobody wanted to invest because I wasn’t a well-known director,” he revealed. Securing funding for the film was a major hurdle, as potential investors were hesitant to back a relatively unknown filmmaker.
Filming locations also posed a challenge. Concerns about security threats, including Boko Haram and kidnapping, forced the production team to carefully select safe areas. Ultimately, they chose to film in Daura, the hometown of former President Muhammadu Buhari, which was deemed secure enough for the project.
A Devastating Setback
The biggest setback came during production when the team lost nearly half of their footage due to carelessness. “We lost almost 46% of the entire production,” Daniel admitted, eliciting audible gasps from the audience. The loss was a devastating blow, but Daniel and his team refused to give up. “What you see now is a reconstructed version of the film,” he explained. “We are not proud of what happened, but that’s the reality.”
In a moment of desperation, Daniel turned to his post-production supervisor for guidance. “I called him and asked if anything could be done. He responded with a verse from the Bible: ‘Dry bones shall rise again,’” Daniel shared. This message of hope and resilience became a driving force for the team as they worked to salvage the film.
Interestingly, Mai Martaba was never intended to be submitted for the Oscars. Daniel had originally sent a different film to the Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee. However, with some time left before the deadline, he decided to enter Mai Martaba as well, leading to an unexpected turn of fate. The film’s selection to represent Nigeria at the Oscars marked a pivotal moment in Daniel’s career, validating his hard work and perseverance.
A Triumph of Resilience
Despite the numerous challenges, Mai Martaba has defied the odds, earning its place on the global stage and proving that resilience and determination can rewrite the narrative. Daniel’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of rejection, financial constraints, and unforeseen setbacks.
His journey also highlights the broader challenges faced by filmmakers navigating Nigeria’s complex cultural and religious landscape. By sharing his experiences, Daniel has not only inspired others in the industry but also brought attention to the need for greater inclusivity and support for diverse voices in Nigerian cinema.
As Mai Martaba continues to gain international acclaim, Prince Daniel’s story serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, creativity and determination can lead to extraordinary achievements.