Renowned filmmaker, Tunde Kelani has called on young storytellers to take up the responsibility of preserving Yoruba culture through documentaries.
Kelani speaking at the launch of the Documentary Fellowship for Students, an initiative of Illuminate Nigeria Development Network (INDN) through its Media Mentoring project convened by Anikeade Funke-Treasure to empower young media professionals through mentorship, training, and capacity-building programs pointed out that storytelling is a vital tool for safeguarding heritage in the face of globalization.
“Documentaries are powerful tools for telling our stories, preserving our history, and educating others about the richness of our culture. Through moving images, we can share the Yoruba story authentically and proudly. They allow us to explore our history, celebrate our achievements, and safeguard cultural values. When crafted with purpose, documentaries do not only entertain—they educate, inspire, and provoke thought”, he said.
Kelani, whose career spans decades of filmmaking, shared his journey in the industry, recalling how he began as a photographer and later trained as a film cameraman before venturing into independent filmmaking, has continually engaged in cultural storytelling that include iconic movies like Saworoide, Agogo Eewo, Maami, and Thunderbolt: Magun, as well as documentaries like Oroki, Argungun Fishing Festival, Durbar in Kano, and Yoruba Beyond Borders.“
My primary goal has always been to use the camera to tell stories about my people—our culture, struggles, and triumphs. These films are not just entertainment; they are cultural archives, ensuring that Yoruba heritage is preserved for future generations,” he said.
Kelani stressed that the digital revolution has made filmmaking more accessible than ever, urging students to use their smartphones and creativity to document Yoruba traditions. “With a smartphone in your hand, you can document festivals in your community, interview elders about their experiences, or create videos about traditional Yoruba music, food, and art. You don’t need a big budget or a fancy camera to make an impact. What matters most is your determination and creativity,” he encouraged.
He challenged the young fellows to become ambassadors of Yoruba culture, sharing authentic stories that reflect the vibrancy of Yoruba traditions. “You don’t have to wait for someone else to tell our story—start telling it yourself! Whether it’s the beating of the talking drum, the vibrance of the Egungun festival, or the intricate designs of Adire fabric, these stories belong to you. Let the world know about the beauty of being Yoruba, and let them hear it through your voice,” he urged.
Kelani concluded by inspiring the students to embrace their role as cultural storytellers, reminding them that every documentary they create contributes to shaping how future generations understand and celebrate Yoruba identity.“
My journey shows that no dream is too big, and no story is too small to tell. If I could rise from humble beginnings to use film as a tool for preserving our heritage, you can do the same—or even better. The world is waiting to hear your story,” he stated.
The MMi Students’ Documentary Fellowship convened by multi-genre media personality, Anikeade Funke–Treasure, aims to equip young storytellers with the necessary skills to document, preserve, and promote Yoruba culture through immersive filmmaking experiences. With the enthusiasm displayed by the student fellows, the initiative is poised to produce the next generation of documentary filmmakers dedicated to celebrating Yoruba heritage.