Director Mosh Wants To Breathe New Life Into Nigerian Cinema

With Agemo, Director Mosh made a statement about the richness of Nigerian culture, the depth of its traditions, and the untold stories of the women who shape it.

Agemo is a bold blend of tradition and modernity bringing the hidden rituals of the Oro festival to life while exploring universal themes of identity, culture, and the strength of women.

His debut takes us on a journey through the heart of Nigerian tradition, challenging both cultural boundaries and cinematic norms. The film’s success at international festivals speaks to the resonance of his vision, positioning him as a new force in African cinema.

In an exclusive conversation with More Branches, Director Mosh shares the creative journey behind his debut feature, the challenges of capturing cultural truths on film, and the future of Nigerian cinema as he sees it.

What inspired you to become a filmmaker? Was it something you always wanted to do?

I’ve always been someone who analyzed and critiqued films growing up. I would watch movies and have one or two things to say about how it could be improved, what could have been done better. I felt like I could make a difference in Nigerian filmmaking, so I decided to pursue it seriously. I went to South Africa to study filmmaking, driven by a desire to create something better, something that could stand out.

Were there any particular influences or people you looked up to early on?

As a child, I was inspired by the storytelling in South African TV series like Generation, a soap opera series. But I also want to make it clear that I don’t mean to discredit Nigerian filmmaking. I admire directors like Tunde Kelani, whose films really resonate with me. This influenced my approach to blending culture and psychology in my films. My films are often a blend of genres, incorporating cultural roots, psychological tension, and symbolic elements that give them depth.

You mentioned psychological elements in your films. What draws you to that particular area?

It’s just the way I view the world. I’ve always seen deeper meanings in everything around me, things that others might overlook. That’s how I approach filmmaking. I’m constantly asking, “What’s behind this?” It’s my personality that reflects in the kind of films I make, and the psychological aspect helps me explore these deeper meanings.

Can you take us through the process of bringing a story to life? How do you go from an idea to execution?

 It all started with a question. I’m from a royal family, and I was curious about what really goes on during kingship ceremonies, specifically the Oro festival. I asked a lot of questions to my family and learned about the traditions. With Agemo, I took some of these traditions and added fictional elements. But the core of the story is what happens during those quiet, hidden moments in a town during a big celebration. It was all based on real life. That curiosity led me to create the story.

How did you approach casting? Were there specific qualities you were looking for?

For Agatha specifically, the lead role, I wanted someone who could truly embody the character and deliver the kind of performance I was looking for. I held auditions, and after many trials, I found Uzoamaka, who was perfect for the role. For other characters, I chose people who already had a recognizable name in the industry. I wanted a mix of fresh faces and familiar ones to balance out the film.

The film includes spiritual and ritualistic elements. Were there any challenges in approaching these customs?

Not necessarily in the town we were in. Yes, there were a few challenges, especially with costumes. We were told we cannot just replicate any masquerade costumes without permission from the traditional rulers. Fortunately, we had connections in the town, and after some negotiation, we were able to use authentic masquerade figures from the area. Other than that, we also had a run-in on the day of the Oro festival scene. They stopped us and warned us that if we filmed anything more, we would be asked to leave. Luckily, we had already shot the critical moments before they arrived.

Any exciting behind-the-scenes moments from filming?

Everyone was like family. We would climb mountains as a team. Oh, plenty! One of the best moments was when we pranked my friend, our DOP (Director of Photography). It was his birthday, and we decided to prank him by telling him that his work wasn’t up to par and that we were replacing him. He actually started crying, thinking he’d messed up. But then, of course, we all revealed the cake and celebrated his birthday. It was a fun moment that the whole team will remember.

What do you want audiences to take away from Agemo?

 The goal was always more than entertainment. Agemo was made to heal society. We want to show women that they are just as important as anyone else, no matter their age or stage in life. The story focuses on three generations of women: a child, a teenager, and an older woman tell a story of a woman’s journey. It’s about believing in yourself and knowing that you can be part of something big. The film also encourages people to listen to their inner voice. Sometimes, as humans, we get that quiet instinct that tells you when something is wrong. Sometimes, we ignore it, but we should always trust it.

Congratulations on your film’s recognition at festivals! How did it feel when you received nominations?

Honestly, it was beyond my expectations. This was my first feature film, and I truly believed in the project, even when we were still shooting. I never thought it would go this far, especially without the film being officially released yet. We got recognized with AMVCA. It was a huge surprise to see it recognized at festivals, especially competing against films that had much bigger budgets. But to be nominated and recognized. It felt amazing.

Do you have any upcoming projects you’re excited about?

Yes, I’m currently working on a reality show called The Godfather Celebrity Show. It’s a reality show that dives deep into the lives of celebrities, showing not just their glamorous side, but the darker, more personal aspects that aren’t usually seen. It’s going to be a very interesting show to watch, and I’m excited for what’s coming!