Why We Decided to Remake ‘Agbara Nla’, Damilola Mike-Bamiloye

Christian actor and filmmaker, Damilola Mike-Bamiloye, recently spoke with DAMOLA ADEDIGBA about the reasons behind remaking the classic 1993 movie, ‘Agbara Nla’. He also shared his experience working with his father and other related issues.

The original Agbara Nla came out in 1993 and is an important film for Mount Zion Films. What made you and your brother, Joshua, want to tell this story again more than thirty years later?

About four years ago, Joshua and I went to our dad, Mike Bamiloye, with the idea of revisiting some old stories, especially Agbara Nla. We wanted to see how some of those stories could be told in a way that fits today for a new generation. We imagined different scenes and thought it would be a great idea.

We shared this idea with dad, but he said it was not the right time. We respected his decision and left it at that.

Last year, I was talking to a friend, Chris, who is a producer, about opportunities in God's kingdom and filmmaking. Since he had experience with remakes, I brought up the idea of remaking Agbara Nla.

At first, it was just an idea we were thinking about, but he got really excited and felt strongly that we should go for it. He said, "This is it. We have to make it again."

I told him that Joshua and I had already approached our dad, but he felt it wasn’t the right time. Chris believed the timing had changed and that we could make it work.

We prayed, talked with some friends, and eventually went to meet dad again. To our surprise, he did not discourage us. He actually gave us his blessing and said, "Yes, go ahead and do it."

Thanks to God, our idea turned into a film. Looking back, making ‘Agbara Nla: The Return’ feels like a dream. Everything unfolded as part of God’s plan.

We shot the film in about 20 to 21 days, and after that, everything just fell into place. Now I think if we had made the film when we first wanted to, it might not have had the same impact.

When dad told us four years ago that it wasn’t the right time, it was for a reason. Now we see that the timing was part of God’s plan.

For those who watched the original Agbara Nla, how much of the original story will be in the remake?

We are including the entire story in this new film. All the characters are present, and the story is captured from start to finish in the new production.

The original film connected with its audience back then. This new version is made to connect with today's audience.

So, we are sharing the same story but in a modern way. The story stays the same, but it reflects today’s realities.

Most importantly, we believe the same spiritual power is in this new production. In fact, when the cast and crew watched the finished film, we could feel God's power coming from the screen and touching everyone.

The original film focused on spiritual warfare, cultism, and God’s power. What new issues did you include to make these themes relevant now?

Agbara Nla is not just a story; it is God's word. The beauty of God’s word is that it lasts forever. Its impact is still important today. Just like the Bible, which was important in the past and is important now, God’s word does not fade.

What we are doing is acting out God's word and showing His power, and that message is still relevant. The new film includes all the elements from the original, including spiritual warfare, because our lives are more spiritual than physical.

Everything that happens in the physical comes from the spiritual. That’s why the film teaches about spiritual warfare, trusting God, and letting Him fight our battles. It also stresses the importance of seeking God’s kingdom first, which should be our priority.

There are many lessons to learn from the movie. But I encourage everyone to go to the cinema and discover those lessons for themselves. What I take away from the film might be different from what someone else gets out of it.

I don’t want to limit what viewers should learn from it. I believe when you watch it, it will speak to you based on your life experiences.

Your father returns as Isawuru. What was it like directing him in a role that is iconic among Mount Zion fans?

It was a very emotional experience for me because when he played Isawuru in 1993, I was just four years old. I watched the film, loved it, and tried to imitate him.

I remember gathering my siblings and reenacting some scenes from the original film. I would play Isawuru, pick up a leaf, and recite some lines, even though I often got the words wrong.

I also remember watching my dad do his own make-up. He would apply it himself and put powder in his hair to look older.

Now, seeing him play the same character without needing to use powder or make-up to look older, but instead playing Isawuru at his actual age, is amazing.

Back then, he was trying to show a man in his 50s or 60s. Now, at 60, he stepped into the character naturally and brought a new depth to it.

It became even better. It was an amazing experience for my brother, Joshua, and me.

You are directing the film and also acting as Kola. How did you manage to balance being behind the camera while acting in such an important production?

I thank God for His grace and also for my brother, who helped as the co-director. When I’m on set, Joshua directs, and when I’m not, I take over directing.

The original film was mainly seen on television and home video. Why is the remake going to cinemas nationwide?

Agbara Nla was actually written with cinema in mind. We had several edits and post-productions. We went through the script many times. A lot of people came together to share their thoughts to meet cinema standards.

So, this is not just from one person's view. It’s a movie that has been created with the input of many professionals.

When you watch it, you’re getting a real cinematic experience, not just a drama with long conversations. You’ll see action and thriller.

There’s a generation that grew up with the original Agbara Nla, while many young Nigerians will see the story for the first time. How did you make the film appeal to both groups without losing the identity of the original?

The message is the same, but how we present it is different. It’s made with a lot of excellence.

We used some of the best cameras, thanks to God. These cameras are expensive to rent, but God provided the funds. We also used a lot of equipment, added graphics, illustrations, and special effects.

All this is to reach today’s generation. We believe it will grab the attention of young viewers and bless them. Because everything we do has the goal of leading people to Christ.

Your father has said Agbara Nla’s journey started back in 1987. What does it mean to you to be part of the generation bringing this vision to life?

I feel blessed, privileged, and honored. I thank God that my father is alive to share this experience. It is a great honor to be part of this new era, and all glory goes to God.

The trailer has created a lot of excitement and nostalgia. Without giving away too much, what should audiences expect from the movie?

There is much in the original that you haven’t seen. For instance, I wrote the first chapter of the film. There’s a reference to the original to give better background on Isawuru and his actions in the original film.

The original started with Isawuru just doing evil, but now we have deeper insight into who he really is. We also have the king character, which was not in the original, and the kingdom of Muwonleru, which was also new. We added conflict between the king and Isawuru.

There’s a lot of new content, but it does not take away from the essence of the film. It actually enhances the storytelling.

What keeps Mount Zion’s vision alive despite challenges in filmmaking?

The word of God has kept the ministry alive. Many voices exist, but our father has stuck to God’s voice, which we are passing down.

That’s the voice we will pass to the next generation. God’s word is alive and sharper than any two-edged sword.

How have you faced the challenges of Christian filmmaking?

God has truly helped us. It has not been easy. There have been ups and downs, but through it all, God’s grace has been enough.

We focus on Jesus, who called us into this ministry. If it was a human that called us, we might have a right to complain about support. But it was God that called us into this work.

Because God called us, He will take care of us. That’s our belief, and we trust He will take us to the next level.

I believe the next level for Mount Zion is cinema. By God’s grace, we are taking over.

How do you want to keep Mount Zion’s legacy while accepting new ideas?

By holding on to God’s Word and sticking to it. That’s the core of what we do: winning souls and spreading the gospel through drama.

Even as we accept new ideas and approaches, the foundation stays the same: God’s Word, winning souls, and evangelising through drama.