Veteran actor Jide Kosoko has asserted that the set-to-be-released film by the recently deceased Biyi Bandele which is due to be released next month will break many people’s hearts when they watch it.
Africa Daily News, New York recalls that on August 7, 2022, filmmaker Biyi Bandele unexpectedly passed away. This shocked many, considering that he had just finished directing the film “Death and the King’s Horseman.” The movie is a reimagining of the same-titled play by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka; the play has not yet been released, but it is eagerly awaited by many.
Kosoko, who played the lead in the film, which will make its Netflix debut in September, said in an interview with Saturday Beats that Biyi never seemed ill while they were working together on the set he said in his words:
‘I remember that throughout the time I was on that set, Bandele never got angry over anything. That is not to say people did not annoy him, but he was such a gentleman. His approach to things was fantastic. I certainly did not see his death coming. He was himself throughout the production. He even had a good stamina. His death came as a big shock.’
Discussing Bandele’s work ethics, Kosoko stated, ‘He put a high level of professionalism into his work. Explaining whatever he wanted on set came easily to him. He was so detailed that whenever he wanted to explain anything on set, it sank easily. He did not hesitate in taking one through the script in a bid to achieve the aim of that production.’
Kosoko also insisted that the movie would be a proper send-off for the deceased director. He said, ‘It will make people weep more because they will get to know that a great talent has been lost. We still need him but no one can control death.’
Omowunmi Dada, a second actor in the film, added that Bandele didn’t exhibit any symptoms of illness while he was working on the movie. She noted, ‘As a director, he was very pleasant and professional. He did not show any signs of being unhealthy. He was always on set at the call time till work was wrapped up for the day.’
Describing his work ethics, Dada said: ‘He was a director that found it easy to express his concerns regarding characterization and interpretation of roles. He had a good reputation and was a true gentleman. I never saw him snap at anyone. He was respectful to all.’
The passing of the filmmaker, Biyi Bandele will leave a vacuum in the movie industry as he was committed to, and passionate about his job. He will be greatly missed.
