Lagos Fringe 2024 was nothing short of magical for me — and not just for one reason, but for many. First off, my film BOTTLED UP screened at the festival, and I had the honour of being part of the pre-selection team. Yes, you heard that right, I was on the inside this year!
Now, don’t get me wrong — Lagos Fringe has always been home for me. It’s the one festival I religiously clear my November calendar for, and you bet I’ve already blocked it off again this year.
Let’s start from the beginning — the selection process. Being on the team gave me a front-row seat to how the festival magic is brewed. We watched film after film, grading and discussing them. Let me tell you, watching films as “work” hits differently. It’s fun, sure, but it’s also serious business. The task taught me that beyond the glitz, curating a festival takes intentionality and sharp eyes. Yet, nothing beats the fun of discovering hidden gems and championing stories that deserve the spotlight.
This year’s festival, though, was special — on another level entirely. There were so many exciting activities happening all at once that I often found myself doing rock-paper-scissors just to decide what next to attend. From film screenings to workshops, live performances, and spontaneous conversations under Freedom Park’s open skies, every moment was gold.
Speaking of Freedom Park — what a venue! I must have taken enough pictures to fill an entire gallery. There’s just something about that space; it breathes creativity.
If I’m being honest, one week is simply not enough for this festival. Lagos Fringe consistently outdoes itself every single year, bringing fresh ideas, daring performances, and new ways to engage with art. That’s why I keep coming back — it never stays the same.
And guess what? This year, I’m aiming higher. I’m planning to stage my very own stage play at Lagos Fringe 2025. A new feather to my cap, a new story to share. The excitement is real.
As always, I’m looking forward to another November of magic, madness, and meaningful art.
Lagos Fringe — see you soon.
About the Author
Tolulope Odebunmi is a dynamic and versatile storyteller with a rich portfolio spanning film, television, and live theater. Known for captivating performances in roles such as Lagos Shepherd in African Magic’s Brethren, Ige in The Origin: Madam Koikoi, Taofik in King of Boys 2, and Ijakumo in African Magic’s Itura.
A passionate creative, Tolulope approaches storytelling from multiple perspectives—acting, writing, directing, and producing—crafting compelling narratives that inspire social change and development. As a British Council Film Lab Africa grant recipient, Tolulope’s talents shine in his work as producer and director of Bottled Up.
Driven by a mission to influence and transform through storytelling, he continues to break boundaries across the entertainment industry.