How I auditioned for a month to act in Afolayan’s movie – Temi Otedola reveals

Following the announcement that a daughter of billionaire businessman and oil magnate, Femi Otedola, Temi, would be appearing in Kunle Afolayan’s forthcoming movie, ‘Citation’, many, especially on social media, implied that her father must have ‘arranged’ the role for her.

However, in a recent interview with PUNCH, Otedola maintained that she actually worked very hard to earn the role.

She said, “I have been watching Mr Afolayan’s films for a long time. From Figurine to October 1st and when I met him, I told him I had been watching his movies for a long time. He then told me that he had a script he was working on and the lead character is actually a girl around my age. It was a story I could relate to and I was interested. I felt it was a character I could interpret well.

“I read the script and I was so excited. For a whole month, I had to audition because he wasn’t sure. For about six months, we discussed the role and I’m so excited because I feel the story would resonate with people. Also, I believe that I would do justice to the role. I really cannot give much details about the script but I’m so honoured and humbled to be given this opportunity.”

Known more as a fashion blogger and social media personality, Temi, who owns the style blog, JTO Fashion, however, stated that she has always loved acting. According to her, she had just been waiting for the right time and platform to showcase her talent. And with Kunle Afolayan, she found the perfect opportunity to explore that creative side of herself. “I am so happy that this is coming at this time because it means I would be starting from the top,” she said.

On what fascinated her about the script, the graduate of History of Art from the University of London said, “The message is to tell women that we are hearing their stories, that we believe them. Women are being harassed in several ways and I believe that this movie would embolden those who are affected to come out and tell their stories.”

About a week ago, Temi, who doubles as a fashion blogger, took to her Twitter page to disclose that she would be making her on-screen debut alongside other big shots in Nollywood through ‘Citation.’

She also shared pictures of herself alongside the film producer, expressing her enthusiasm to be taking up the role.

“I’ll be starring in ‘Citation’, legendary filmmaker Kunle Afolayan’s next feature film! Deeply humbled and excited to be shooting alongside many film legends in my on-screen debut,” she wrote.

I can finally announce that I will be starring in ‘Citation’, legendary filmmaker Kunle Afolayan’s next feature film! Deeply humbled and excited to be shooting alongside so many legends of film in my on-screen debut. pic.twitter.com/WO234UUiDr

— Temi Otedola (@jtofashion) January 9, 2020