Life & Work with Tomide Bamigboye

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tomide Bamigboye.

Hi Tomide, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Nigeria, where most parents want their children to be doctors, lawyers, or engineers. Although I was an artistic person, I could not quite figure out what I wanted to do professionally. All I knew was that I wanted to help change people’s lives for the better. In high school, my favourite subject was literature. I always dreamt of turning the stories I read into films while still developing my original film ideas. I wrote my first script when I was 14 years old using Google Docs. Clearly, I had no idea how to write a screenplay. By grade 12, I knew that I wanted to make films. Luckily for me, I have the most supportive parents; when I informed them that I wanted to pursue a degree in Theatre Arts, they did not oppose to it. I attended Redeemer’s University, Nigeria for a year before moving to Canada and attending Concordia University of Edmonton, where I acquired a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Drama and minoring in Sociology. During those college years, I was opportune to direct a couple of stage plays. I must say, having a theatre background has helped me tremendously, especially when it comes to directing my actors. I always implement the things I learned in the theatre when I work on film sets.

My goal has always been to spread awareness about social issues, mental illness, and neuro-diversity through my films. Some of my films have touched on topics like autism, depression, child marriage, and many more. My film “THE SPECTRUM OF YOU” which is currently on its festival route is about a teenage Autistic boy and his support worker navigating life while learning a lot from each other.

Before diving into filmmaking full-time, I was a counselor at a mental health organization in Canada. This opportunity, which I am forever grateful for, made me see the world through a different lens. I had clients from different social and economic parts of the world. Through this experience, I gained the wisdom to deal with serious issues in my film in the right and respectful way.

I always had all these stories I wanted to tell but did not know how to. This made me pursue a Master’s of Arts degree in Filmmaking. Pursuing a Master’s in Filmmaking has helped me gain knowledge on how to make a film, now I feel confident enough to tell the stories I want to tell and raise awareness on the issues that are most passionate to me.

The most important lesson I have learned through this journey is that one should never be afraid to take a leap of faith and pursue whatever goal one wants to achieve. It is not going to be an easy and smooth journey, but with diligence and perseverance, your goals can be accomplished.

My films have been accepted at multiple film festivals, and I have won a couple of awards at film festivals both in the USA and internationally.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a completely smooth road, but I am grateful to God for always making a way for me, even when I feel like there is no hope. I am also extremely privileged to have supportive family members who always go above and beyond to make sure my dreams come true. A couple of years ago, I had no idea how I was going to be able to move to LA. But I have been here for a couple of years now, and I am slowly making a name for myself.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a writer and director who makes films to educate the world and shed light on social issues. I am passionate about mental health and neuro-diversity, and I like to incorporate that in every film I make. I have written and directed films that touch on subjects like child marriage, depression, autism, and many more. My aim is to start discussions about these issues and hope that my films touch the hearts of people and compel them to do their part in making sure the people who are victims of these social issues are heard.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Seeing the people I love happy makes me happy. Being surrounded by friends and family makes me happy. Seeing my dreams come true makes me happy.

Contact Info:

• Website: tomidefilms.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomide_b/?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk%3D
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomide.bamigboye
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomide-bamigboye/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqtiuXy847MQSt02pBlgGHQ