Afolabi Olalekan’s highly anticipated drama, “Freedom Way,” will have its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film has been selected for the prestigious Discovery Programme, which aims to spotlight debut and sophomore films from emerging filmmakers worldwide, showcasing the best of contemporary international cinema.
Running from September 5 to September 15, 2024, TIFF will feature “Freedom Way,” a film that delves into the lives of three young co-founders of a startup, alongside a motorcyclist, a doctor, and a police pair, as they navigate the challenges of their professional lives in modern Nigeria. The narrative addresses critical issues such as police brutality and harassment, a pervasive problem in the country.
The cast of “Freedom Way” includes notable actors Adebowale Adebayo, Jable Ogranya, Jesse Suntele, Mike Afolarin, Femi Jacobs, and Bimbo Akintola. The film is written and produced by Blessing Uzzi. Director Afolabi Olalekan, who has personally experienced police harassment, stated that his own ordeals partly inspired the story.
“The Nigerian Police Force is notorious for harassing and extorting young Nigerians based on their appearance, possessions, or gadgets, often profiling them as criminals without evidence,” Olalekan said. “I have been a victim of such harassment and arrests, and my experience inspired the story of ‘Freedom Way.'”
Reacting to the film’s selection for TIFF, Olalekan told Pulse Nigeria, “Everyone who worked on the film was committed to making an excellent film, and we can’t wait to celebrate all the hard work with the audience at TIFF. The festival has consistently supported the arts and filmmakers, and we are thrilled to be part of that.”
Olalekan, known for directing short films such as “Without You” and “Caught Up,” and music videos for artists like Rema, Ayra Starr, and Tiwa Savage, makes his feature film debut with “Freedom Way.”