Acclaimed actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo has shared the personal inspiration behind his latest cultural epic, Seven Doors. According to the filmmaker, the story was influenced by the life experiences of a king he had the privilege of knowing closely.
Speaking with Saturday Beats, Adebayo emphasized the importance of preserving African traditions through film. He stated, “It is extremely important to preserve our culture. Creating films that showcase the beauty of our heritage is a way to educate future generations and keep our traditions alive.”
Reflecting on the story’s origin, Adebayo revealed, “I was fortunate to be close to a particular king, and his journey inspired the concept of Seven Doors. While kings are revered as mini-gods, many forget they are human too, facing immense challenges both before and after ascending the throne. This is what we portrayed in the movie.”
Beyond its cultural themes, Seven Doors also delves into the universal message of love. Adebayo explained, “I wanted to convey that love transcends all. In a clash between love and tradition, love ultimately prevails.”
Addressing his much-discussed kissing scene with co-star Chioma Chukwuka, Adebayo clarified, “I was simply interpreting the character as part of the story. However, my favorite scene wasn’t one I featured in—it was the intense moment where the chiefs were laid on the floor and beaten.”
Seven Doors continues to draw praise for its storytelling and cultural depth, further cementing Femi Adebayo’s legacy as a champion of African heritage in film.