By Publisher
Nollywood veteran Lancelot Imasuen says the fame of his 2001 classic ‘Issakaba’ has not left him 25 years after it’s release.
The director, fondly called D’Gvnor, said ‘Issakaba’ not only changed lives but transformed careers and instilled discipline in society.
Speaking ahead of the cinematic release of ‘Issakaba Returns’, Imasuen said the reboot became necessary because the crimes the original film tackled are now worse.
“25 years after, the reason Bakassi Boys emerged is still there. Kidnapping, banditry, terrorism have come to stay. But Issakaba taught us that security is local,”he said.
The sequel, shot in Asaba in early 2024, sees Sam Dede return as Ebube. It is currently in post-production.
Imasuen revealed how the original film was conceived: “After the success of ‘Last Burial’ produced by late Jude Chukwuka Emelionwu, we heard about Bakassi Boys in Aba. We called Reginald Ebere for a script conference. The film was first titled ‘My Town’ before we renamed it Issakaba. ISSAKABA means truth, justice and fairness.”
He challenged young filmmakers to emulate such socially relevant stories: “Make films that address our social problems, not wishy-washy stories.”
Inspired by true events, ‘Issakaba’ followed the exploits of community vigilantes who used mystical powers to fight armed robbers terrorising Aba shoemakers – a story that mixed action, drama and horror.
The film starred Sam Dede, Chiwetalu Agu, Pete Eneh, Amaechi Muonagor, Susan Obi, John Okafor, Andy Chukwu, Zulu Adigwe, Uche Odoputa and others.
