Having made it to the list of the City People’s 30 young female producers, Omolara Raimot Dauda, Yoruba filmmaker, producer and actress, popularly called Omolaradaud, in this interview with Daniel Anazia, revealed how she soared from obscurity to limelight and her future plans.

How did you make it to the list?
First, the credit is to God Almighty, who has taken me this far. Second, I would like to thank all my colleagues, partners, and business associates, including executive producers, who believed in me to the point that they invested heavily in all my creative projects that have received incredible reviews from my fans worldwide.
For example, in 2023, my movie ‘Captivity’ (Igbekun) (1 & 2) hit over 1.1 million viewers on YouTube. If I had taken this film to cinema, I would have raked in over N500,000 million from the film.
Given the success of my film- Igbekun- and other movies I have produced in the past, I will forever be grateful to all my fans, home and abroad, for their continued love and consistent support for my career as an Actor and movie maker.
In short, I have earned this shortlisting because of my handwork, commitment and contribution to the theatre and creative industry. And most importantly, for the love I enjoyed from my fans.

How many films have you produced and how you were able to make it stand out?
This year, my creative project starts with an internationally endorsed storyline titled: ‘Opa Meta’. This project has earned international support and funding because of the cultural and creative imagination behind the storyline. This is the first time I play a role different from what my fans knew me for.
I’m thrilled that the cast in this film are legends with track records- some of them are Netflix filmmakers and actors. This project will allow me to export the Yoruba Arts and Culture from Nigeria to all other parts of the World via a private premiere and international cultural movie public presentation. I want to use this film to tell the world about the beauty of Yoruba tradition, culture, and heritage. This film will stand out because it features legendary characters (cast) and is full of suspense and cultural reimagination.

Now that you are gaining recognition, how do you intend to maintain the standard and grow to stardom?
My simple answer is to continue to be diligent and professional and remain creative as a filmmaker. I have upheld these fundamental principles, taking me this far. In addition, I’m a Muslim by faith. I appreciate the importance of prayer, and I will surely hang on to my God who has brought me this far to take me further in my career. Let me also mention how collaboration has helped me pursue my acting and filmmaker ambitions. I have enjoyed working with colleagues, partners, and creative professionals, such as film directors, crew, post-production team and many others. I would build on my track record to foster this relationship so that I can continue producing impactful and creative movies for my fans. Once we are done with exporting ‘Opa Meta’ (a culturally grounded movie) internationally, my next move will be another big creative project, God willing.

The New Year is already running; what hit projects (movies) are you working on and what are your plans to make it a blockbuster and sell your work better to attract more fans locally and globally?
As mentioned, I’m starting this New Year with an internationally endorsed movie project- ‘Opa Meta’. I do not have permission to reveal the film’s budget, but I can tell you it’s a project that received heavy funding, hence the reason I was able to feature a renowned filmmaker with a track record appearing on Netflix’s standard movies.

‘Opa Meta’s’ storyline has different dimensions. The character I played is entirely different from what I have done in the past. I want to show my fans- home and abroad that movie making is a serious business and that we can tell a story that reminds us of our culture, tradition and identity with film.

Most of my previous work earned me recognition, nominations, and awards. For example, I won the Maya Awards Africa- “Break Out Actor of the Year category in 2023.” I have also made the nominee list for the “New Act- Yoruba” category of the Nigeria Women Achievers Awards 2024. All my creative projects lined up for this year, 2024, will bring home more awards and recognition by the grace of God.

Lastly, how do you intend to contribute to & promote the Nigerian movie industry?
I plan to advance creative projects and work collaboratively with professional and business associates willing to produce good films. My collaboration will be both local and International. I aim to continue making films that teach meaningful lessons, showcase the beauty of our culture, and, of course, create opportunities for up and coming talents.

As an investor in the movie industry, i understand how filmmaking creates jobs for our youth. Therefore, I would continue to push hard so that our youth can benefit from filmmaking by creating job opportunities.