A TRIP IN MOTION: Godson Osarenren’s immortalisation of veteran Nollywood filmmaker, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen

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Godson Osarenren, poet, author, and convener of Naija Poetry Fest is time-travelling into the past with Amb. Dr. Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, and Purple Shelves is going on the trip with him. In case you’re wondering why, the purpose of this trip is to collect together the highs and the lows of Amb. Dr. Imasuen’s life as a filmmaker, into a book, which will be published this year with the title, A Trip in Motion.

In the book, Osarenren (expertly narrating with the voice of Amb. Dr. Imasuen), steers us to the latter’s early days in Benin City, unfolding a tale of persistence, courage, and determination. Nollywood lovers will revel in nostalgia as they follow the behind-the-scene production backstories of their favourite classics, like Issakaba and Invasion 1897.

A Trip in Motion is not just a biography, it’s also a relevant and essential document for Nollywood researchers aspiring filmmakers.

Already encomiums have started to pour in from across the creative industry.

Nze Sylva Ifedigbo, winner of the ANA/Chinua Achebe Prize for Fiction (2022) and author of Believers and Hustlers affirms that “Godson Osarenren writes Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen into immortality in this riveting memoir, capturing the inspiring story of this Nigerian icon of the stage and screen whose passion and creativity has shaped an entire industry. Lancelot’s story is one of resilience, providence, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. As readers turn each page, they are immersed in the highs and lows that have defined and continue to inspire his illustrious career. From his early beginnings to his rise as a celebrated figure in Nollywood, this memoir captures the essence of a true maestro.  A Trip in Motion is a testament to the power of art and the enduring spirit of one of its most dedicated practitioners. 

About Amb. Dr. Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen

Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, also known as De Guvnor, is a highly experienced Nigerian film producer, director, and scriptwriter with thirty years in the industry. He is the CEO of Lancelot Imasuen Media Network (LIMN) and a founding member of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria. Born on June 20, 1971, in Edo State, Nigeria, Lancelot developed a passion for the arts early on and studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt. After relocating to Lagos between 1988-1991, he worked as a casual staff member at the Bendel Broadcasting Service (BBS), and in 1994, he became a Production Assistant at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). Lancelot gained significant recognition at the age of 26 with his film Yesterday. Over the years, he has been featured in interviews by major international media outlets such as CNN, BBC, and the Washington Post, and made history in 2009 as the first African filmmaker to appear on CNN’s Screening Room. He is also a public speaker and currently serves as the Honorary Academic Chair of Filmmaking, Theatre, and Mass Communication at Benson Idahosa University in Benin City, Nigeria.

About the Author

Godson Osarenren is the author of Bush Radio (poetry collection) and The Broken Cross (novel). He is a Poet, a Teacher, and a courageous voice for social justice. A French Graduate from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, in 2007, he also represented The Nigerian French Village, Badagry at the Leopold Sedar Senghor Centenary celebrations at Lome, Togo, in 2006. As a Nigerian confessionist poet, his work is characterised by a unique blend of traditional African oral poetry, & a consistent beat that mimics the rhythms of traditional African folk songs using modernist techniques. His poetry is known for its musicality, imagery, and metaphors. Another notable aspect of his style is his language use. He often employs a mix of English, French, and Nigerian pidgin, as well as other indigenous languages such as Edo, Yoruba, and Igbo. This multilingual approach reflects his commitment to celebrating the diversity of Nigerian culture and language.

We can’t wait to share A Trip in Motion with you.