In an exclusive interview with Potpourri, Adediwura BlarkGold, co-producer and actress of the film “Atiko,” shared insights into the inspiration behind the movie which she produced alongside Biodun Stephen.
“Atiko” is a drama film that showcases the unwavering determination and resilience of two struggling mothers who refuse to give up on their children, despite facing overwhelming challenges.
She revealed that the inspiration for the film stemmed from her personal experiences with loss, poverty, and grief, highlighting the theme of finding hope and strength in the darkest moments.
The film, which was also directed by Biodun Stephen premiered on May 2, 2024, at the Nollywoodweek Film Festival in Paris where it opened to a captivated audience at Cinema L’arlequin.
BlarkGold expressed her excitement over the positive reception, noting that the French audience connected deeply with the film, sparking meaningful conversations and emotional responses.
Reflecting on her experience working with the cast and crew she details that, “Working on Atiko was an incredible experience. Our cast and crew from Shutterspeed Projects were talented, dedicated, and brought so much passion and energy to the project.
It was a teamwork, and each department held it down. They crossed their Ts and dotted their Is. We had a particularly memorable moment during filming when myself and Deyemi Okanlawon improvised a powerful scene that brought the entire crew to tears.”
Despite the success, she candidly discussed the challenges she faced during production, including undergoing a physical transformation for her role, which involved gaining weight. She also mentioned the linguistic hurdle of mastering a specific dialect to deliver an authentic performance, which she ultimately embraced as an achievement.
BlarkGold emphasized the importance of representation in film and television, highlighting its role in shaping societal perceptions of women. She discussed how inclusive representation can challenge stereotypes, promote body acceptance, and showcase diverse experiences and characters, ultimately empowering women and promoting gender equality.
Through “Atiko” and her work in storytelling and acting, Adediwura BlarkGold aims to inspire audiences, challenge perceptions, and advocate for greater diversity and representation in the film industry.
Her commitment to authentic storytelling and meaningful representation underscores her dedication to empowering women and fostering positive societal change through cinema.
