After 62 intense days of filming and a massive team of over 6,000 cast members, the cameras have finally stopped rolling on Kiriji: The Ekiti-Parapo War. This isn't just another movie; it’s a massive historical project that aims to bring one of Yorubaland's most significant stories to the big screen.
The film is produced by the industry’s favorite power couple, Lateef Adedimeji and Mo Bimpe (under their AL Notions brand), and directed by the visionary Kayode Kasum. If those names sound familiar, it’s because they are the same producers behind the Netflix hit, Lisabi.
Filming a historical epic is no small feat. The producers and crew spent over two months in Ekiti State, working through the holidays. While most people were enjoying Christmas and New Year at home, this team was on set, sometimes wrapping at 4:00 AM only to start again three hours later.
Lateef Adedimeji shared an emotional tribute to the team, calling the project a result of "years of hard work and sacrifice." He especially praised his wife, Mo Bimpe, describing her as his "co-pilot" and the heartbeat of the entire production.
Mo Bimpe, a proud daughter of Ekiti herself, expressed how meaningful it was to tell this story on her home soil. She thanked the Ekiti State Government for their support and gave a special shoutout to the crew, the sound, light, and art departments who stayed in the trenches to make sure every detail looked perfect.
Director Kayode Kasum described the experience as "monumental." To keep things authentic, they filmed on the actual land where the Kiriji war took place. They even cast descendants of the original warriors to help tell the story.
"Nigeria is truly beautiful, and Ekiti stole my heart," Kasum shared. He noted that managing a cast of 6,000 people was a huge challenge, but the leadership and discipline of the producers made it possible.
While we are still waiting for the official "cast reveal", some very famous faces were spotted on set. Fans can expect to see Tobi Bakre, Femi Branch, Uzee Usman, Odunlade Adekola, Lateef Adedimeji, and Mo Bimpe.
With a lineup like that and the expertise of special effects guru Hakeem Effect, the visuals are expected to be nothing short of breathtaking.
Now that shooting is wrapped, the film enters the post-production phase (editing, sound design, and visual effects). There is no official release date yet, but the director has already promised that this will be one for the history books or as he puts it, Classics Only.
Keep your eyes peeled for the official trailer and cast list. If Lisabi was anything to go by, Kiriji is sure going to be a cinematic event you won't want to miss!