Tunde Kelani

**Tunde Kelani** (born February 26, 1948, in Lagos, British Nigeria) is a highly respected Nigerian filmmaker, cinematographer, and director, recognized for his significant contributions to Nollywood, particularly through adapting Nigerian literary works for the screen. He is the founder and owner of Mainframe Films and Television Productions, a production company committed to documenting Nigeria's rich cultural heritage.Early Life and Education Kelani was born in Lagos but was sent at the age of five to live with his grandparents in Abeokuta, Ogun State. This early exposure to the rich Yoruba culture and tradition heavily influenced his later artistic career. He attended Oke-Ona Primary School in Ikija, Abeokuta, and subsequently Abeokuta Grammar School for his secondary education. Following his secondary studies, Kelani developed an interest in photography and became an apprentice photographer. He then trained at Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) before furthering his education at the London Film School, where he specialized in the art of filmmaking.Career Progression and Major Achievements After his training, Kelani became known for his skill as a cinematographer. His career evolved into directing and producing, where he gained prominence for his dedication to telling authentic Nigerian stories, often utilizing high technical standards. In 1991, he established his production company, Mainframe Films and Television Productions (also known as Opomulero), which has since produced numerous critically acclaimed films. Kelani is particularly noted for pioneering the movement of adapting classic Nigerian novels and plays into Yoruba-language films, thus preserving and celebrating indigenous narratives.Notable Works Kelani is celebrated for his successful film adaptations of Nigerian literary works. Some of his most notable films and directorial efforts include: * ***Koseegbe*** (1995) * ***O le ku*** (1997) * ***Saworoide*** (1999) * ***Thunderbolt: Magun*** (2001) * ***Agogo Eewo*** (2002) * ***The Campus Queen*** (2004) * ***The Narrow Path*** (2006) * ***Arugba*** (2008) * ***Maami*** (2011) * ***Dazzling Mirage*** (2014), an adaptation focusing on a sickle-cell sufferer. * ***Ayinla*** (2021) * ***Cordelia*** (2021)These films often explore complex social and cultural themes, earning him recognition both nationally and internationally.Current Status Tunde Kelani continues to be an active and influential figure in the Nigerian film industry. His dedication to showcasing Nigeria's diverse culture remains evident in his recent projects. As of 2024, his filmography includes recent works such as *Ayinla* and *Cordelia*, and he has been involved in new projects like *Ebrohimie Road: A Museum of Memory* (2024), demonstrating his ongoing role as a filmmaker and cultural documentarian.