What is the limit of a man’s endurance before the weight he carries becomes unbearable? This central question drives the psychological drama Over the Bridge, directed by Tolu Ajayi and penned by Tosin Otudeko.
The narrative centers on Folarin Marinho, a high-achieving consultant whose outward success conceals a mounting inner turmoil. Entrusted with managing a significant infrastructure initiative in Lagos, he projects an image of composure and authority, yet beneath this facade, he is slowly unraveling.
Since its premiere at AFRIFF, the film has traveled to cities including London, New York, Milan, Seattle, and locations in Spain, garnering acclaim for its compelling performances and layered storytelling.
Unveiling Hidden Battles
Ozzy Agu delivers a deeply authentic portrayal of Folarin, a consultant steering a large-scale infrastructure project in Lagos. While his résumé speaks of success, the film peels back the layers to expose a man grappling with profound distress. Otudeko, drawing from her own consulting background, infused the script with lagos/” title=”Olamide Unveils “Olamidé” at Star-Studded Breakfast & Coffee Listening Event in …”>personal insights.
“It’s more than just numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s about real lives,” she reflected, emphasizing the heavy responsibility that inspired the narrative. Her focus was on the breaking point-the moment when external demands collide with internal struggles. “At that juncture,” she noted, “coping becomes nearly impossible.”
A Director’s Compassionate Lens
Ajayi approached the film with a blend of meticulousness and sensitivity. To him, Folarin symbolizes the societal expectations placed on men: to bear burdens silently and persist without complaint. “Masculinity often means carrying weight,” he observed, “but if those feelings aren’t expressed, it can become a dangerous pressure cooker.”
Rather than relying heavily on dialogue, Ajayi uses silence as a storytelling tool. Moments of stillness and unspoken emotion reveal the character’s gradual disintegration. “Cinema is fundamentally a visual medium,” he explained, “and sometimes what’s left unsaid speaks volumes.”
Intertwining Spiritual Themes
For Otudeko, the film’s treatment of mental health is deeply connected to spirituality. She views Folarin’s journey as both a physical and spiritual odyssey, rooted in the belief that healing often arrives through unseen forces. “Recovery can come through prayer, grace, or moments of divine intervention,” she shared.
This spiritual dimension enriches the narrative, elevating it beyond the corporate struggles of Lagos to a broader reflection on redemption and hope. Otudeko interprets the film’s international festival success-from London to New York, Seattle, Milan, Spain, and Africa-as a sign of providential favor.
The Bridge as a Metaphor
The Third Mainland Bridge is more than just a setting; it functions as a symbolic presence. Unlike typical Nollywood productions where bridges serve merely as generic establishing shots, Ajayi and Otudeko reimagine it as a living metaphor. It both separates and unites, mirroring Folarin’s fractured state and his yearning for restoration. “We wanted to explore its dual nature,” Otudeko explained. “It connects people but also divides.”
The film’s visual palette-featuring shades of blue, drifting clouds, and vast expanses of water-immerses viewers in this symbolism, reflecting Folarin’s precarious balance between despair and hope.
Global Reach, Local Roots
Following its AFRIFF debut, Over the Bridge has been showcased internationally, from London’s Picturehouse Cinemas to intimate gatherings in Spain, where the filmmakers engaged closely with audiences. Ajayi describes this worldwide reception as “miraculous,” noting how viewers from diverse cultures-from East Africa to the United States-found personal resonance in the story. “Our narratives have universal appeal,” he affirmed. “We just need to present them thoughtfully.”
Despite its international acclaim, the film remains deeply anchored in Nigerian realities, capturing Lagos’s vibrant intensity and the cultural silence surrounding men’s mental health.
A Powerful Ensemble
The film’s emotional impact is carried by a talented cast. Ozzy Agu’s nuanced portrayal of Folarin is supported by Paul Adams and Darasimi in key roles. The ensemble also features Nollywood veterans and emerging talents such as Joke Silva, Akin Lewis, Deyemi Okanlawon, Chimezie Imo, Segilola Ogidan, Oludara Egerton-Shyngle, Toyin Oshinaike, Ropo Ewenla, Elma Mbadiwe, Adeola Awodein, and Adefemi Akinsanya. Together, they bring to life the pressures, fractures, and fleeting moments of kindness that define Folarin’s world.
Creative Synergy
Otudeko lauded Ajayi as “a visionary director” who balanced clarity of purpose with openness to collaboration. Their partnership-combining her introspective writing with his cinematic sensibility-resulted in a film that feels both intimate and expansive. Ajayi acknowledged that the experience transformed his perspective on filmmaking and reinforced his conviction in the global relevance of Nigerian stories.
Crossing Over
At its core, Over the Bridge is more than a tale of a man’s breakdown; it is a narrative of hope and recovery. Through its use of silence, spirituality, and symbolism, Ajayi and Otudeko craft a poignant reflection on the pressures men face and the paths toward healing. The film serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how heavy the load, there is always a bridge to cross and a way forward.
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