New film, ‘Inside Life’, Makes Cinema Debut

A new movie, Inside Life, has made its debut at the cinemas across the country.

An adaptation of Lanre Olorunnisola’s prison memoir, Inside Life, showcases the rot in the Nigerian judicial system and the traumatic life of inmates on ‘awaiting trial’.

Produced by Chuks Enete and directed by Tope Adebayo Salami, Inside Life, which recently had an exclusive media screening at Silverbird Cinema, Victoria Island, Lagos, narrates the true-life story of Olorunnisola as portrayed by the lead character, Larry played by Wole Ojo.

A few days to his wedding, Larry goes to represent his boss at a court hearing. But he gets wrongfully remanded in prison, following the suggestion of the aggrieved plaintiff’s lawyer.

Larry needs to fight for his release to be able to marry his sweetheart as planned. But then, he must learn to survive the harsh condition of the prison so he could come out alive.

Commenting, the producer, Chuks Enete, said he discovered in the process of making the film that over 70 percent of inmates at the Nigerian Correctional Service are awaiting trial.

“Most of those awaiting trial have spent more time in prison than they would have if they were convicted and sentenced for the perceived crime. It is not just about looking at the judiciary; it is also about funny decisions we make that affect other people’s lives in ways we least imagine,” he stated.

However, Enete hopes the film will serve as a tool to educate the people and kick start the process of reforming the correctional system in the country.

On his part, Lanre Olorunnisola, who also co-wrote the script, tasked the audience on the moral lesson of the film. While urging Nigerians to learn from his experience, he said, “When you have freedom, make sure you make the most use of it.”

Inside Life features a select cast of Nollywood actors including Wole Ojo, Broda Shaggi, Nnedu of Wazobia FM, Romeo WJ, Tina Mba, Koloman, Belinda Effah, Saka, Ropo Ewenla, and Okey Uzoeshi.

Others are MC Benkash, Chukwuka Jude, Jerry Okpan, Jay Hemkay, Zara Udofia Ejoh, Yinka Aiyelokun, Peter Oladeji, Enechukwu Uche, Ekiti Father and Eric Obinna, while Idowu Adedapo is Director of Photography.