Jack’eneth Opukeme, the director of Farmer’s Bride, has shared his perspective on the core themes of the film and the lessons it seeks to convey.
Opukeme, who co-directed the movie with Adebayo Tijani, made these remarks during a press screening held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, in Lagos.
Drawing inspiration from the character of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not to Blame, Opukeme emphasized that the complexity of human nature is a central theme in Farmer’s Bride. According to him, the film explores how individuals react when placed under intense pressure and the unintended consequences that may result from such situations.
“Humanity is complex. You can’t control my reaction after putting me in a tight corner. I hope people get the message that the monster we made is what will hunt us tomorrow. The message of the film is that if we had just left a central character alone, a lot of things wouldn’t have happened,” Opukeme stated.
The film tells the story of Odun, a wealthy farmer who, despite his affluence, finds himself lonely in his old age due to his inability to find true companionship. His hopes for love and happiness are briefly reignited when he marries a young bride, Funmi, who was coerced into the union by her parents due to Odun’s wealth.
However, Funmi, who never truly consented to the marriage, struggles to find contentment and becomes involved in an illicit affair with Odun’s nephew, Femi. This forbidden relationship leads to a series of events marked by betrayal, heartbreak, and ultimately, a tragic ending.
Opukeme explained that the film serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of forcing individuals into situations against their will, noting that the tragic fate of both Funmi and Femi could have been avoided if her parents had not imposed the marriage on her.
Released in cinemas on Friday, September 27, 2024, Farmer’s Bride features a stellar cast, including Tobi Bakre, Gbubemi Ejeye, Femi Branch, Mercy Aigbe, Efe Irele, and Wumi Toriola. The film delves deep into themes of love, betrayal, and the unintended consequences of choices driven by societal pressure and family expectations.
Opukeme’s nuanced portrayal of the characters highlights the intricate dynamics of human relationships and the unpredictable outcomes when individuals are pushed beyond their limits.
