Basil Romanco Returns to Nigeria to Launch Arthouse Film Project

Nigerian filmmaker and writer Basil Romanco has returned to the country after spending seven years abroad, where he says he endured homelessness, financial hardship and personal setbacks while pursuing a career in the arts.

Romanco, founder of ENITAYEFE ARTHOUSE, is currently producing his debut feature film, Please Don’t Take My Sunshine Away, a project he describes as an exploration of power, identity, truth and the realities of contemporary African society.

The filmmaker revealed details of his journey in an essay titled Please Don’t Take My Sunshine Away, which has been submitted to literary publications including Granta and The Republic.

In the essay, Romanco recounts periods of severe hardship during his years in Europe, including sleeping on the streets after losing stable accommodation and leaving behind a corporate career to pursue creative work full-time.

“The fire of my motivation had already been killed by the severe winter season, and all I had was the discipline in my art and the willingness to pay the price for whatever it is the universe had put in my heart to suffer for,” he wrote.

During his time abroad, he supported himself through various creative activities, including writing, public speaking and selling books.

Despite the challenges, Romanco said he remained committed to his artistic vision and eventually returned to Nigeria with plans to establish an independent arthouse filmmaking platform.

Accident on the way to casting

Romanco said his determination was tested again in May while travelling to Ilesa, Osun State, to cast actors for his film.

According to him, a truck struck his vehicle from behind, forcing it off the road and into a ditch.

Rather than cancel the trip, he repaired the damaged vehicle and continued the journey.

“I could not change my mind. The decisions had already been made, and I must follow that road forward and find out where it leads,” he said.

Film explores power and social realities

At the centre of Please Don’t Take My Sunshine Away is a character named Dara, a farm labourer who experiences a dream-like journey that explores themes of exploitation, power and social conditioning.

Romanco said the film is intended to challenge audiences to reflect on societal structures and collective responsibility rather than simply portraying poverty or hardship.

The project forms part of his broader vision for ENITAYEFE ARTHOUSE, which aims to create independently produced films rooted in African experiences and storytelling traditions.

Discovery of a first-time actress

The filmmaker said he found the lead actress for the film, Chisom, during a visit to a university campus in Ilesa.

According to Romanco, she had no prior acting experience when he approached her to audition for the role of Dara.

After initially withdrawing from the project, she eventually agreed to take part following further discussions with the filmmaker.

“There are indeed gems in rubbles, and when you find the gems, because they are used to being in rubbles, they will quickly deny that they are gems,” Romanco said.

Building an independent creative platform

Beyond filmmaking, Romanco is also developing a wider creative initiative through ENITAYEFE ARTHOUSE, which includes literary works, stage productions and public engagements.

He said the organisation is being built independently, without institutional backing, and is focused on producing thought-provoking African stories.

Observers say the filmmaker’s journey reflects the growing number of independent Nigerian creatives seeking alternative pathways to tell stories outside mainstream commercial entertainment.

With production on Please Don’t Take My Sunshine Away now underway, Romanco said he remains committed to pursuing his artistic vision despite the obstacles he has faced.

“If a person has been called to do something, they do it or they die. There is no way out, and nowhere else waits for them,” he said.

The debut feature film is currently in production and is expected to mark the first major release from ENITAYEFE ARTHOUSE.