…Wins Best African Indigenous Film & Best Costume in Canada, Earns 2025 TINFF Nomination for Best TV Series
SESAN JIGAN FILMS is proud to announce the upcoming release of “ÌWÉ ÒWE YORÙBÁ” (BOOK OF YORUBA PROVERBS), an indigenous drama series poised to revolutionize how historical lessons, moral values, and social wisdom are conveyed. This unique production, meticulously crafted to entertain while educating, delves deep into the rich tapestry of Yoruba proverbs, rooting them in historical events and presenting them through compelling real-life scenarios.
“ÌWÉ ÒWE YORÙBÁ” stands out by conforming its narrative in an entertaining way that effectively captures audience attention and conveys complex information quickly. Each self-contained episode explores a different proverb, analyzing past proceedings derived from in-depth research to provide fact-based representations of real events. While the series prioritizes audience engagement, its core mission is to exhibit timeless wise sayings, impart historical lessons, highlight good morals, and instill healthy social values that have traversed generations.
The series boasts a formidable team of industry veterans. At the helm is Director Saheed Apanpa, who, after two decades in the United States, returned to Nigeria with a wealth of knowledge from directing over 50 films, including “Homeless Home” and “Devil’s Orchard.” His extensive experience in diverse storytelling approaches is evident in his culturally rich and fact-based direction for “ÌWÉ ÒWE YORÙBÁ.”
The production is further bolstered by its Executive Producers, Jigan Ruth Oluwatosin and Jigan Oluwasesan Olayemi. Ruth, an accomplished entrepreneur and founder of 360 Eventee, brings her keen interest in event decoration and management to create an immersive, culturally significant cinematic experience that contributes to the series’ “ancient, epic atmosphere.” Oluwasesan, a renowned film producer, cinematographer, and video editor, extends his impact from producing content in over 12 countries to this project, ensuring a high standard of visual storytelling. Their collaborative dynamic merges Ruth’s cultural promotion passion with Sesan’s expertise in motivational and educational content.
Adding to the talent pool is Associate Producer Owen Gee, a seasoned comedian, talk show host, actor, and regarded as the pioneer of reinvented skit-making in Nigeria. His unique background as an entertainer brings a fresh perspective to a drama series focused on historical lessons and moral values.
“ÌWÉ ÒWE YORÙBÁ” was meticulously shot in a remote village in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where the authentic “kutcha structures and dramatic landscapes” enhance the visual experience, providing an evocative, ancient atmosphere fitting for the stories. The production team overcame logistical challenges inherent in such a remote setting, demonstrating their commitment to authenticity and quality.
The series is poised to transcend time and age, offering a “Life Nugget” that explores universal themes such as love, family, loss, and personal growth, ensuring emotional depth and human connections that will resonate with a global audience while remaining deeply rooted in Yoruba history and proverbs.
SESAN JIGAN FILMS is confident that “ÌWÉ ÒWE YORÙBÁ” will not only entertain but also serve as a vital educational resource, preserving and promoting the profound wisdom of Yoruba culture for generations to come. Future plans for the series include extensive distribution and potential educational outreach initiatives, with an eye towards subsequent seasons exploring even more proverbs and historical periods.
ÌWÉ ÒWE YORÙBÁ has won two prestigious awards in Canada, Best African Indigenous Film at Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF 2024) and Best Costume at Brampton International Nollywood Film Festival (BINFF 2024).
It also been nominated again this year 2025, for Best Series TV at Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) 2025. Where Sesan has been officially invited to the festival as both delegate and as a panelist.
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