Biyi Bandele, a veteran Nigerian film director, Is Dead

By Adeleye Kunle

Biyi Bandele, a veteran Nigerian film director has died.

According to his daughter, the renowned filmmaker and co-Director of Netflix’s debut Nigerian original series “Blood Sisters” died in Lagos on Sunday, August 7, 2022.

The shocking news came just a few weeks before the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) premiere of Netflix and EbonyLife’s historical film “Elesin Oba,” which he also directed and adapted for the big screen.

Bandele directed the 2013 film adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s classic novel “Half of a Yellow Sun,” starring Thandiwe Newton and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

“I am heartbroken to share the sudden and unexpected death of my father Biyi Bandele on Sunday 7th of August in Lagos,” his daughter wrote on Facebook.

Biyi was a phenomenally gifted writer and filmmaker, as well as a devoted friend and adored father. To his bones, he was a storyteller, with an unwavering perspective, singular voice, and wisdom that spoke boldly through all of his art, in poetry, novels, plays, and on screen. He told stories that had a profound impact on many people around the world. His work will carry on his legacy.

He was taken far too soon from us. He’d already said so much so beautifully, and he still had so much to say.

As we mourn his loss, we ask that everyone respect the privacy of his family and friends.”

The post Biyi Bandele, a veteran Nigerian film director, has died, according to reports.