Tunde Kelani Recalls Emotional First Meeting With Olu Jacobs, Shares What He Did for Students
Veteran Nigerian filmmaker Tunde Kelani has shared an emotional account of his first meeting with late Nollywood icon Olu Jacobs, revealing how the actor volunteered to lead a student film production without asking for a professional fee.
Kelani, in a tribute to Jacobs following his death at the age of 84, recalled meeting the celebrated actor in London in 1978, when he and a group of Nigerian classmates were studying at the London Film School.
The students were working on their graduation project, an adaptation of Amadu Maddy’s novel No Past, No Present, No Future, which they turned into a diploma film titled Trying Times.
Despite his professional standing, the actor agreed to lead the students’ production without charging them a fee.
His only condition, Kelani recalled, was that the students provide him with food during the three-day shoot.
The filmmaker said the gesture left a lasting impression on him and his colleagues.
Kelani described Jacobs as a classically trained actor with a commanding presence who was nevertheless generous enough to support young filmmakers at the beginning of their careers.
Kelani also revealed that Jacobs’ performance contributed to the student project earning a place in the London Film School’s Governors’ Screening.
For the filmmaker, being able to capture Jacobs’ performance on 16mm film became one of the treasured memories of his career.
Years later, Kelani would work with Jacobs again on Twins of the Rainforest, where he served as director of photography.
He recalled filming Jacobs alongside his wife, actress Joke Silva, describing their on-screen chemistry as unforgettable.
Beyond their personal relationship, Kelani praised Jacobs for making the decision to leave a successful career in Britain and return to Nigeria.
The actor had built an impressive reputation on the British stage, television and international cinema before choosing to return home.
Kelani noted that Jacobs had worked on productions including Roman Polanski’s
