Exploring the balance between Faith and Life 'Who Sent You' is a question we are posed with concerning life choices. Whether that is in our day to day job, place of study or in a position of leadership. Sometimes we find ourselves in positions that we are not supposed to be in, others get a chance of redemption and others do not. Are your decisions rooted in God's purpose or people's influences?
Seun Jonathan is a Nigerian born script writer and director. He currently lives in Calgary, Canada. He has written and directed several international movies and series. His latest work is titled 'What's Left' and is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.
How did you start making films and what was the first film project you worked on?
We started out as a record label and we filmed/videoed/ live recorded many of our concerts. Our first big Live Recording was in Dallas Texas USA in 2003 about 20 years ago. Ten years later in 2013 we made our first feature film.
What genre of filmmaking are you looking to work on and why?
We make films about the Black British and British Experience and Heritage. We make Urban inspirational films.
What is the most challenging aspect of being an independent filmmaker?
The most challenging aspect of being an independent film maker is telling stories with minimal resources be it financial, human and other resources required to deliver a feature film.
How challenging is it to fund indie films?
We fund our own independent films using personal resources and sometimes we get donation in kind which help make things work for us. We do not depend on external funding because for us catalogue ownership is a big deal and because we realise that you may never recoup on your outlay of making films therefore it is important to us not to borrow what you may never be able to pay back.
Please name three of your most favorite directors. How have they been influential in your work?
I have no favorite Directors at the moment. I prefer to follow the story rather than the Director.
What is your next film project and what are you currently working on?
We just completed the filming of "Angry People of God" and are in the middle of Filming "Father!" .
What was the inspiration behind your latest film project?
We tell stories to raise awareness about issues, to affect human behaviour, inspire people and to preserve heritage. These are some of the factors that inspire our story telling.
How did you find the cast and the crew of the film?
We use cast and crew that have worked with us previously and we also advertise through our Network of contacts for new cast and crew.
What is the distribution plan of the film and did the film receive any screenings or was it featured in festivals?
"I Want Out" one of our films has been screened at at least 14 festivals and has won several awards. "Child of the Occult" another film has been screened in at least 8 festivals. Most of our films do Festival rounds. The films are available on various online platforms (Amazon Prime Video, Vimeo, Bohemia Euphoria etc) and also licenced to other distributors who put them out through their various platforms.
Why do you make films and what kind of impact would your work have on the world?
We make films to raise awareness about issues, preserve heritage, inspire people and affect human behaviour. As long as these goals are achieved then we know we are on the right course.