Veteran Nigerian actor and filmmaker Muyiwa Ademola has revived one of Nollywood’s most iconic films, Ori, two decades after its original release.
The new version, titled Ori: The Rebirth, reimagines the award-winning 2004 movie for a new generation of viewers.
Ademola, who starred in and directed the original, said the decision to remake the film came after years of constant fan requests and personal reflection on the film’s lasting impact.
Why he brought “Ori” back
In a recent interview on TVC News, Ademola revealed that Ori was a turning point in his career. Shot in 2003 and released in 2004, the film earned him national and international recognition. It also gave him his first opportunity to travel outside Nigeria and opened doors for him within the entertainment industry.
“Ori was massive,” he said. “It was the movie that took me out of the country for the first time. It won several awards, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Indigenous Film. It changed everything for me.”
He added that fans have never stopped talking about the film. Everywhere he goes, people still ask him about Ori, urging him to bring it back in some form.
“I tried turning it into a stage play,” he said. “I even thought about writing a book. But I realized that people don’t read as much anymore. So when the film marked its 20th anniversary, I decided it was time to do something special.”
The birth of “Ori: The Rebirth”
With a desire to preserve the story and its message, Muyiwa Ademola began working on Ori: The Rebirth in 2023. He wanted the new film to carry forward the soul of the original while reflecting modern realities.
“I wanted to immortalise the film,” he said. “I wanted something that would outlive me. Something that would continue to speak to generations even after I’m gone.”
The remake promises a contemporary feel, richer production quality, and a broader appeal. According to Ademola, the goal was to reconnect with older fans while introducing the story to a younger, tech-savvy audience.
A personal financial journey
Muyiwa Ademola also shared that he took on the financial burden of the project himself. Determined to see his vision through, he chose to fund the film without outside investors.
“When I started filming Ori: The Rebirth, I poured everything I had into it,” he explained. “I borrowed from friends and family. I raised all the money myself because I didn’t want anyone to blame me if it didn’t succeed.”
His family also made sacrifices. “We had to cut down on our home spending,” he added. “But my wife and children stood by me. They supported me every step of the way.”
Chasing realism with bold production
To deliver a believable and visually striking film, Ademola took on ambitious scenes that pushed the limits of independent filmmaking. One of the most striking moments in the film involves a plane crash and instead of relying on computer effects, he went the extra mile.
“I wanted it to feel real,” he said. “So we built an entire private jet from scratch just for that scene.”
A star-studded cast
Ori: The Rebirth features a lineup of some of Nollywood’s finest actors. The cast includes industry heavyweights like Sola Sobowale, Lateef Adedimeji, Omowunmi Dada, Odunlade Adekola, and Toyin Abraham.
Ademola believes their performances, combined with the powerful storyline, will make the new film just as impactful as the original.
Looking ahead
As Ori: The Rebirth prepares to hit screens, Muyiwa Ademola hopes it will spark conversations, inspire audiences, and carry on the legacy of the story that changed his life.
“It’s not just about remaking a movie,” he said. “It’s about passing on a message. About reminding people where we come from and encouraging them to believe in their destiny.”
With Ori: The Rebirth, Ademola is not just bringing back a classic, he is also creating something timeless.
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