Hope at Twilight: Veteran Thespians can now smile
In recent times, the hope and the aspirations of the forgotten ones in the Nigerian movie industry came alive as the tentacles of help and support from a foundation in the United Kingdom by a philanthropic Nigerian woman, reaches out to these veterans in the movie circuit for help ranging from all manner of welfare stuffs to health fee support and economic facelift to the older members of the movie industry.
Hope at Twilight, which is the welfare arm of the registered foundation named Maam’s Helping Hands, which is founded by a member of the Theater Artist Practitioners of Nigerian based in the United Kingdom, Mrs Doyin Amodu, a graduate of the London South Bank University, and the president of TAMPAN in the UK, who also started her acting career in 1995 with Babskos Theatre and film school is the brain behind the new surge of hope to veterans in the industry.
Maam’s Project, which is aimed at empowering elderly Nollywood filmmakers by engaging them to produce a film whose proceeds will be used to provide the following:
Financial security: The project will provide elderly thespians with a stable and secure financial future.
This will alleviate their financial burdens and allow them to meet their basic needs without worry.
Healthcare: The project will address the healthcare needs of elderly thespians, ensuring access to quality medical care and necessary treatments.
Pension Plan: The project will work with PFA’s to design a pension plan for filmmakers.
Dignity and independence: The project will empower elderly thespians to make choices, live independently, and have control over their own lives.
Community: The project will foster a strong sense of community and support among elderly thespians. This will ensure that they feel valued and connected within their industry and beyond.
Engagement: The project will create opportunities for elderly thespians to continue engaging with their craft. This will keep their passion for acting alive.
From all indications, it is obvious that Mrs Doyin Amodu’s Hope at Twilight array of programmes and prospect is to fully reintegrate these veterans into the movie market and to make all of them still active at old age.
The foundation hopes to see involvement of all members of TAMPAN both old and young to actively engage this foundation handles on all social media platforms to as to create adequate awareness and support for Maam’s Helping Hands.
Except….
Can we meet you ma?
My name is Doyin Amodu, I am a graduate Film Practice from the prestigious London South Bank University (LSBU) I am currently the President of TAMPAN UK. I began my acting career in 1995 with Babskos Theatre and Film School owned by Prince Jide Kosoko.
What’s your experience in the movie industry and with the movie industry?
My experience in the movie industry has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. I have had the privilege as a director with numerous films to my credit, including Forever Mine and Ojo Ale “Twilight” to name a few. As a producer, I have had the privilege of creating several wonderful movies, though the journey has not been without challenges.
What has contributed significantly to my growth is the informal training I received from Babskos Film School, under the leadership of Prince Jide Kosoko. This foundation helped me navigate the complexities of filmmaking, and I must say, it has been an amazing and fulfilling experience overall.
How did you come about the establishment of your foundation?
The establishment of my foundation was truly the work of God. Humanitarian work has always been close to my heart, and bringing joy to others, especially the elderly who are often underprivileged, gives me immense fulfillment. Initially, my plan was simply to organize an event where these elders could be celebrated. However, I felt a deeper calling, as if God was urging me to take this mission even further.
While it hasn’t always been easy, I knew I had to follow through because it brings me a sense of emotional purification. Beyond the financial commitment, personally attending to their needs fills me with a unique sense of purpose and joy. This calling has transformed what was once just a passion into a dedicated platform to serve others and bring lasting smiles to their faces.
So, I founded the “Hope at Twilight” initiative. As part of this journey, I produced and directed a film titled Ojo Ale “Twilight”, featuring veteran actors alongside a few younger ones. This project brought many of these aged actors back into the spotlight, allowing them to face the camera once again, reconnect with each other after years apart, and freely engage in the creative process. The film not only rejuvenated their spirits but also provided a platform for them to showcase their talents once more. We then took Ojo Ale to VIVA Cinema in Ikeja for a premiere that was well-attended and warmly received. The event marked a significant moment, not just for the actors involved but for the mission of the “Hope at Twilight” initiative—(Registered charity is Maam’s Helping Hands) celebrating the talents of our elders and ensuring they remain part of our creative and cultural landscape.
Why are your efforts towards the elderly thespians alone?
Focusing on elderly thespians is a huge, ongoing project, and one that I believe requires sustained effort and dedication. These individuals, who have contributed immensely to the industry, often face unique challenges later in life, which is why I felt compelled to step in and make a difference.
So far, we have established a medical system where they undergo routine check-ups, tests, and therapy to ensure their well-being. We’ve recently completed a house in Ikorodu, which serves as a residence for those facing medical or shelter challenges. This is not just a temporary solution—it’s a stable, long-term shelter for those who need it.
In addition to providing shelter, we’ve also helped those with medical issues recover and supported them in establishing small businesses of their choice, giving them the opportunity to regain independence. This is an ongoing project, and while we have made significant strides, we know there is still much more to be done. Our commitment to their well-being continues to drive us forward.
What’s your source of motivation for the concept?
As I mentioned earlier, my motivation goes beyond mere passion—it’s driven by their happiness and the fulfilment I get from seeing them thrive. We even have a WhatsApp platform for these elders, and if you were to spend just an hour there, you’d laugh your worries away. They are truly wonderful individuals, and their interactions bring so much joy. However, the greatest source of motivation is empathy. We will all age one day, and none of us knows who will care for us when that time comes. I empathize deeply with these people in their twilight years, understanding their challenges, and that connection to their lives continually inspires me to do more for them. Their resilience and joy are what keep me going.
Are you expecting any gratification back from these people?
Several people have asked me this same question. But honestly, I am not doing this for any personal gain beyond the satisfaction of seeing these elders live fulfilled and happy lives. There’s nothing permanent in life; everything is vanity. I often ask, what’s the point of building multiple houses when I can only sleep in one room, while many others are without shelter? What’s the use of millions stashed in banks when people around us are starving?
The truth is, I expect nothing in return—this is not a profit-making project. It’s purely driven by a sense of responsibility and compassion for others. My only desire is to make their lives a little better, no strings attached.
How easy was funding for this project?
Ahhh, God is my Master Provider. However, funding for this project has not been easy. I am lucky to have generous siblings, and some of my friends are also very generous, the primary funding comes from the little I can raise from my earnings. It’s been challenging, but I’m committed to the cause, and I believe that with God’s help, we’ve been able to make progress despite the financial constraints.
Despite not being in the mainstream Nigerian market, how do you intend to capture the cooperation of other veterans in the industry?
Who says I’m not in the mainstream Nigerian market? Is it because I live in London? I’m very much involved in Nigeria. I frequently travel to Nigeria to make films and handle other business matters. The headquarters of TAMPAN International is in Nigeria, and sometimes, my engagements there are even more demanding than what I do in the UK.
As for capturing the cooperation of other veterans in the industry, we’ve already moved beyond the early stages when some people doubted our sincerity and intentions. Now, every day, more elders who were not initially part of our platforms are joining us. Interestingly, some veterans don’t need our services but still support our cause after witnessing the genuineness of our efforts. I can confidently say that we have the backing of the industry and that support continues to grow as more people recognize the impact of our work.
Would you mind financial and other supports from other well to do citizens, eminent personalities, donor agencies, politicians, enterpreneur, organized private sector, agencies, foundations, benevolent individuals or fintech establishments for this laudable and worthwhile project?
If we have access to more resources, we will certainly be able to do much more for these veterans.
We are aiming to broaden our scope, and part of our aspiration is to take these elders on international tours so they can explore the world. For instance, we are seriously planning to take as many of them as possible to Dubai in February. With adequate funding, this can become a reality. These actors are like Stanislavsky reincarnated, and if we have sufficient funds to produce a Netflix-standard film with them, the world will truly see and appreciate the immense talent they possess. So, yes, any form of support would go a long way in helping us achieve even greater things for these remarkable thespians.
How present are you on the social media, reel out your handles for followers to subscribe?
I am @doyinamodu on all social media platforms
