Entertainment
How I had a huge breakdown when I wasn’t getting acting roles – Biodun Stephen shares
In an intimate and electrifying session with Chude Jideonwo on #WithChude, the illustrious Producer and Director, Biodun Stephen, peeled back the layers of her life to reveal a compelling tale.
A narrative punctuated by challenges and triumphs, it is a journey that took her from the confines of a radio studio to the commanding heights of film direction. As she delved deep into her portfolio of masterpieces, such as Introducing the Kujus, Glimpse, Aki and PawPaw, and Breaded Life, she also spotlighted her exhilarating collaborations with industry luminaries like Bimbo Ademoye, Bisola Aiyeola, and Timini Egbuson.
Her chronicle began with a throwback to her post-university years, which found her echoing through the speakers of Star FM. In that era, the radio world was simpler, more direct—essentially music interlaced with chatter. The thirst for growth and innovation then nudged her towards Insight, where she honed her skills as a copywriter. But the siren call of the radio couldn’t be ignored for long, and back she went, this time with a purpose and a vision, birthing ‘Whispers’, a heartfelt platform that voiced myriad life experiences.
Yet, beneath the accomplishments and growth, shadows lurked. As her professional journey ebbed and flowed, Biodun grappled with inner demons, sinking into depression even as life milestones, like the birth of her daughters, unfolded. A deep-seated dream of captivating TV audiences seemed elusive, and in that period of introspection, her husband’s sage advice steered her towards the realm of film.
Embarking on an educational pilgrimage to the London Film Academy, Biodun returned armed with knowledge, inspiration, and aspirations. But reality was harsh. The accolades and opportunities she imagined seemed distant. And in one of her most vulnerable moments, amidst tears and despair, a shared prayer with her husband became a pivotal turning point. The epiphany was radiant and clear: her destiny was not to be a mere face in front of the camera, but the genius orchestrating magic from behind it. Embracing this profound realization was transformative, setting her on a path of unparalleled achievement.
Speaking with a raw passion that only a true creator can summon, Biodun articulated her writing philosophy, “When I pen down stories, I embed fragments of my very soul into them. Every joy, every heartbreak, every whisper of emotion finds its way onto the pages. This authenticity is why actors resonate with and inhabit the roles—it’s as though the characters are crafted with their spirits in mind.”
The genesis of her film, ‘Joba’, was nothing short of divine intervention. A song, traffic-induced introspection, and an otherworldly vision coalesced to birth a script she fervently inked down into the night. And as if destiny was playing its cards, a serendipitous communication from South Africa arrived, highlighting the magnetic pull of her story.
She also shed light on Glimpse, a poignant film carved from her personal annals. It painted a vivid picture of her early marital years, fraught with financial challenges and the moral conundrums that accompanied them.
Biodun Stephen’s saga is an enduring testament to the indomitable human spirit. It showcases the grit, the resilience, and the unwavering belief in oneself, underscoring the unpredictable, yet beautiful tapestry of life and destiny.
