“Dad rejected our plan to remake Agbara Nla” — Damilola Mike-Bamiloye reveals why film was delayed

Christian actor and filmmaker Damilola Mike-Bamiloye has revealed that his father, Mike Bamiloye, initially rejected plans to remake the 1993 Christian classic, Agbara Nla, before eventually giving his approval for the new production.

Damilola said he and his brother, Joshua, first approached their father about remaking the film about four years ago, but he told them it was not yet time.

How the remake finally happened

According to Damilola, the idea resurfaced last year during a conversation with a producer, Chris, who encouraged them to pursue the project.

He said they later prayed about it and returned to their father, who surprisingly gave them permission to proceed.

Damilola said, “We presented the idea to dad, but he told us it was not yet time. We respected that decision and left it at that.”

He added that when they eventually returned to their father, “he did not discourage us. Instead, he gave us his approval and said, ‘Yes, go ahead and do it.’”

The filmmaker said Agbara Nla: The Return was shot in about 20 to 21 days and features the original characters while adapting the story for a contemporary audience.

Damilola recalls directing his father

Damilola also described directing his father, who reprises his role as Isawuru, as an emotional experience.

He recalled watching the original film as a four year old and imitating his father’s character with his siblings.

He said the new production retains the central message of the original while adding new characters, locations and story elements.

Agbara Nla: The Return is set for a nationwide cinema release, with Damilola saying the production was developed to offer audiences a full cinematic experience while maintaining Mount Zion’s Christian filmmaking vision.