Lagos has been a huge part of Nollywood since its inception.
In fact, the city itself is synonymous to the Nigerian filmmaking Industry. Not only because it houses it (Nollywood has no physical location but Lagos is generally credited as its location) but also because 80 per cent of the movies made in the Industry is made in Lagos.
Over the years, the Actors that have ‘blown’ have mostly moved to Lagos to become celebrities. And most Celebs in other cities have had to move or do something in Lagos to be considered as a National superstar.
However, with the Industry currently saturated, a movie that tells their stories outside of the jungle city almost always have a refreshing feel.
Like Code Wilo.
Set in the South-South area of Nigeria, Code Wilo first introduces you to the beautiful interior of a palatial home. In its very first scene, the audience meets most of its stars in a large, well-built sitting room where there is an ongoing event.
It is the event where one of the (apparently important) candidates running for Governor will be having some important meet and greet with esteemed members of the society.
And for a moment, you think – nice house, fine people, decent conversations – must be Lagos!
But a few establishing shots later, and you’re reminded that this city is not only devoid of the usual bustle associated with Lagos, yellow buses, the never left alone establishment of the Ikoyi link bridge but, it is devoid of the usual scenery!
You’re pleasantly surprised!!
Code Wilo wastes no time in showing you around the city though. After a shocking move at the beginning, it uses the opportunity to take you on a tour of Bayelsa.
You see good enough roads, the slum, the beautiful scenery. You see good houses and you’re reminded that ‘no be only Lagos get fine houses’.
And while we are not exactly certain how much problems the crew of Code Wilo had with gathering crowds while shooting, it is most likely they had less of that problem than they would have in a city like Lagos. I mean, back in the 90s, it was not strange to see scenes shot in public featuring overly interested crowd/regular people on the street.
So, this movie basically ticks the boxes of what you may need when shooting – the beautiful structures, beautiful scenery for your exterior scenes, amazing view, great locations to create a rural feel.
It basically does for you what Google wouldn’t be able to do in one search if you googled ‘Bayelsa’.
What’s more – it does that while telling a story.
Now, isn’t that what people call, – two for a price of one?
Code Wilo is now open to private screenings.