‘Bisi, Daughter of the River’, one of the most celebrated classics of early Nigerian cinema, may soon be set for a contemporary remake.
A movie producer has begun the process of securing copyright approval to reinterpret the 1977 film, regarded as a defining work from the “golden age” of Nigerian filmmaking, when local producers began shooting on celluloid for home audiences.
Its success is widely credited with inspiring a wave of Nigerian filmmakers and laying early groundwork for what would eventually become Nollywood, years before the video-film boom of the 1990s.
In a notice issued on Tuesday in Abuja, Rockson Igelige, counsel to the producer seeking the remake, said his client has made several attempts in recent months to reach the estate of Ladi Ladebo, the filmmaker behind the 1977 production.
Igelige said the outreach became necessary to obtain copyright clearance for the remake, adding that Section 35(1) of the Copyright Act, 2022, empowers his client to seek permission in the public interest.
He appealed to anyone with information on how to reach Ladebo’s estate to contact 08033076491 or [email protected]. The identity of the said producer was not revealed.
Adapted from a stage play by Ladi Ladebo, Jab Adu and Kola Ogunnaike, the film follows Bisi, a young woman from Badagry whose father insists she must serve as a priestess to Yemoja, the river goddess he believes gifted her to the family.
Determined to escape that fate, Bisi runs away to Lagos, where she becomes a secretary to Paul Banji, a businessman. She soon falls in love with his business partner Dexter Raymond, a relationship that distances her further from her origins.
Conflict emerges through Babalola, a villainous associate who plots to eliminate both Bisi and Dexter to undermine the business.
In her attempt to flee danger, Bisi becomes caught in a frantic boat chase. She falls into the river and drowns — in full view of Yemoja worshippers.
The film ends with the suggestion that the goddess has reclaimed her. The original film starred Patti Boulaye (Patricia Ngozi Ebigwei), John Chukwu and Jab Adu.
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