I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on my journey. I remember dreaming of making films, writing books, travelling the world, and winning awards. By God’s grace, many of those dreams came true. I’ve been privileged to work on incredible productions, tell stories across different platforms, visit festivals like Cannes, TIFF, Berlinale, Geneva, AFRIFF and NollywoodWeek, work with amazing brands like Netflix, BBC Films, Ebonylife Group, BAP Productions, Sony Pictures, Lekki Port and Lagos Free Zone, and receive honours including an AMVCA and AMAA recognition.
THERE‘s something I’ve wanted to say for a long time.
First of all, I’m sorry.
Over the last two decades, somewhere along the journey, I became so consumed by chasing the dream that I sometimes lost touch with the very people who made the dream possible. If I ever became distant, failed to keep in touch, forgot to say thank you, or made you feel unseen, I sincerely apologize.
I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on my journey. I remember dreaming of making films, writing books, travelling the world, and winning awards. By God’s grace, many of those dreams came true. I’ve been privileged to work on incredible productions, tell stories across different platforms, visit festivals like Cannes, TIFF, Berlinale, Geneva, AFRIFF and NollywoodWeek, work with amazing brands like Netflix, BBC Films, Ebonylife Group, BAP Productions, Sony Pictures, Lekki Port and Lagos Free Zone, and receive honours including an AMVCA and AMAA recognition.
But do you know what I’ve come to realise?
None of those things matter nearly as much as the people who stood beside me.
You.
Whether you prayed for me, encouraged me, gave me an opportunity, hired me, trusted me with your brand, collaborated with me, bought a ticket, watched a film, read something I wrote, introduced me to someone, or simply believed in me when I was still finding my way… you became part of my story.
Every documentary.
Every television show.
Every commercial.
Every screenplay.
Every film.
Every book.
There is a little piece of you in all of them.
Thank you.
Not just for supporting my work, but for supporting me.
Today, as I begin another chapter with my novel, Last Bride of the River, I find myself asking for your support once again.
The book is now available in major bookstores around the world and through RovingHeights Bookstores across Nigeria. This September, I’ll also be leading the Last Bride of the River Cultural Delegation to Toronto during the Toronto International Film Festival.
If my work has ever meant something to you, I’d love for you to come on this journey with me once more. Join the delegation, get a copy of the book, wear the merchandise, introduce us to brands that may wish to partner with us, sponsor someone to attend, or simply help spread the word.
After almost twenty years, I’ve realised that the greatest achievement isn’t an award on a shelf or a film on a screen.
It’s earning the trust of people like you.
Thank you for walking this journey with me.
With love and gratitude,
James Amuta
