Bukunmi Oluwasina, the versatile and multi-award-winning Nigerian actress, is already making waves with her yet-to-be-released movie “White and Black,” as it garners global recognition even before its official premiere. The movie has been a topic of discussion since Bukunmi shared a photo on social media, revealing that she had shaved off her long natural hair for her role in the project. The announcement sparked widespread anticipation among her fans, who had been eagerly awaiting her return to the screen, particularly since she moved to the UK to further her education in filmmaking.
Since she has started staying more in the UK, Bukunmi signed a management contract with the British-owned talent agency EMG and established her multimedia company, BOG Media, with its headquarters in the UK. Despite her absence from the Nollywood scene, Bukunmi’s star power remains undiminished. Her last movie, “Jankariwo,” reportedly made her the highest-paid actress in the Yoruba sector of Nollywood at the time.
Recently, Bukunmi took to her Instagram page to officially announce her new movie, “White and Black.” To the surprise of many, the movie has already received several nominations and awards across different countries, including Canada, the United States, and India. Some of the prestigious film festivals where the movie has been recognized include TINFF, BIFA, and the New York International Film Awards. The movie is also being screened at various film festivals worldwide. In her Instagram post, Bukunmi apologized to her fans for the delay in the movie’s release and announced that it would soon be screened in cinemas in Birmingham and Canada. Her post was met with an outpouring of congratulations from fans and colleagues, both in Nigeria and abroad.
In a brief chat with Bukunmi about the forthcoming movie, she explained that “White and Black” has a significant purpose to serve, which is why it has taken so much time and effort to release. She assured her Nigerian fans that once everything is set and ready, screening dates will be announced in Nigeria.
When asked if she has stopped featuring in Nigerian movies, Bukunmi clarified that she is still very much involved in Nollywood as an actress and continues to receive offers for movie roles in Nigeria. However, due to her busy schedule and other engagements, she has had to turn down some roles. She mentioned that she was approached for roles in films such as “Farmer’s Bride,” “House of Gahh,” and the series “Alanteere,” but the timing didn’t align with her schedule.
Speaking about the differences between the Nigerian and UK film industries, Bukunmi noted that both industries have their unique strengths. However, she highlighted that making movies in the UK is significantly more expensive, with actors and crew members being paid daily. She explained that even a limited cast movie in the UK could cost a substantial amount of money due to the expenses involved in hiring a full crew, providing accommodations, and covering other logistics.
When asked about the estimated cost of producing “White and Black,” Bukunmi, known for her humility and reluctance to discuss financial matters, refrained from giving specific figures. She instead expressed her gratitude for the effort put in by her team and crew members, acknowledging that the project’s success was a collective effort. She concluded by attributing the film’s progress to divine grace, citing Ecclesiastes 9:11, and expressed her deep gratitude to God for the success of the project.
As anticipation continues to build for the release of “White and Black,” fans and critics alike are eager to see what Bukunmi Oluwasina has in store with this highly anticipated movie.
