'TREPIDATION,' the eagerly awaited horror film helmed by fast-rising producer and director, Ini Usendiah, has taken the African film industry by storm following its recent release across 10 countries on the continent. Distributed by Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution, the movie has captivated audiences with its thought-provoking narrative and stunning visuals, solidifying Usendiah's reputation as a visionary filmmaker.
In an exclusive and candid interview, Usendiah opens up about the inspirations that ignited his creative journey and the arduous path he traversed to bring TREPIDATION to fruition. Drawing from a wellspring of personal experiences and cultural influences, Usendiah delves into the profound themes that underpin the film, offering audiences a deeper understanding of its genesis.
"My favorite part of working on this project is the visual effects. Shooting the visual effect scenes and executing them in post production, seeing the pieces all come together, that is the best part of it for me."
TNTD: What inspired you to produce this particular film?
Usendiah: Two things in particular inspired me to produce this film. First is, my interest in the effect of childhood trauma on us as adults. Second is my upbringing as a Christian, watching my mom in prophetic houses and the fascinating things I witnessed and experienced there. Those things inspired me to produce this movie.
TNTD: Were there any unexpected surprises or discoveries during the filming process?
Usendiah: Well, the fact that we got to the end of the production successfully was an unexpected surprise. My wife and I had a lot of anxiety about completing the project. Somewhere in my mind, I was waiting for the disaster to happen while filming, but we were pleasantly surprised when we got to the end of the filming.
TNTD: What do you believe sets this movie apart from others in its genre or category?
Usendiah: What I think separates this movie from other movies in its genre is that it touches on the subject of faith without being preachy.
TNTD: How did you go about casting the actors for this film?
Usendiah: I will give the kudos for the casting to my wife and co-producer, Ndifreke. She is mostly in charge of casting for my projects because overtime I have noticed she has an eye for talent. I have learned to just leave that job to her.
TNTD: What challenges did you face during the production, and how did you overcome them?
Usendiah: Most of the challenges we faced during production were logistical and getting proper locations. On the last day of production, the location we had booked became unavailable to us after spending so much to get it in the first place. We had to find another location within three hours. My Production Manager and Production Designer did a really good job setting up the new place in time for us to shoot. With a lot of wisdom and patience, we were able to deal with most of the challenges we faced.
TNTD: Can you discuss any specific creative choices or artistic influences that shaped the film?
Usendiah: Oh yes. The choice of the house used in the movie. The building is about 100 years old. The ambience was inside and outside so awesome I had to use it for the opening scene.
TNTD: Can you share any memorable moments from the production process?
Usendiah: I think the most memorable moment from the production is when my wife and I walked into the wrap party and the entire crew welcomed us with a standing ovation. It was a warm and humbling experience, the production was really stressful as this was our first feature-length film. Anxiety levels were up, temperamental deficiencies were there, pressure was high. For the crew to put that aside and give us that ovation was really memorable.
TNTD: How do you think the Nollywood film industry has evolved since you first began producing movies?
Usendiah: Nollywood has really really stepped up. When I first started producing, I compared what was being done then with what I knew I was capable of. I was so sure I could do better than what was being done, and that pride kind of kept me laid back because I thought there was no competition yet. But these days, the products I am seeing have made me sit up.
TNTD: How do you navigate the balance between artistic vision and commercial viability when producing a film?
Usendiah: I love it when a story is a trailblazer, that comes from the innermost parts of an artist. What I do then is to first get the artistic vision actualized, then modify it carefully without distorting the essence of the movie. It can be by introducing a comic character or artistic markers to increase the commercial viability of the film but I do this carefully without taking away from the essence of the film.
TNTD: Looking back, what was your favorite aspect of working on this project?
Usendiah: My favorite part of working on this project is the visual effects. Shooting the visual effect scenes and executing them in post production, seeing the pieces all come together, that is the best part of it for me.
With its universal themes and powerful message, 'TREPIDATION' heralds a new chapter in African cinema, showcasing the boundless talent and creativity that thrives within the continent's burgeoning film industry. As audiences continue to flock to theaters to experience the magic of Usendiah's masterpiece, one thing is clear: 'TREPIDATION' is more than just a movie—it's a cultural phenomenon.
Go behind the scenes of 'TREPIDATION'. Watch videos below:
Looking forward to watching this.