Daniel Oluwasayo Olabode

“Roadtrip” preview screening at the New Black Film Collective Expo 2026 🎬✨ At @tnbfc ’s TNB XPO 2026, Director @commander_dan detailed some of the themes of ‘Roadtrip’ - neo-colonialism, and the depth of Pan-African philosophy woven throughout the film. He shared festival plans to take the film to relevant festivals in UK, Europe, US and Africa. The vision is clear: build platforms, open doors, and make space for the next wave of stories to be told. Huge thanks to the New Black Film Collective for having us. #roadtripfilm #NBFCExpo2026 #blackcinema #panafrican #filmfestivaljourney

“”Gumaystaha intii diiddan baa, gacal wadaagtaane. Gammaan baynu wada saarannahay, gu’ iyo jiilaale”- Mohamed Ibrahim Warsame (Hadraawi) A little highlight of the production of ‘Roadtrip’, Amazing creatives coming together to make something beautiful and thought-provoking. 🎵 - Duruuf Maa Laygu Diidee - @durdurband Director – @commander_dan Fawzia – @_susuahmed Tahiil - @zak_n_ DOP – @anandsingh_dop Assistant Director – @itsalexbaro Script Supervisor – @nikkibutonline Gaffer – @catcastrophic Assistant Camera – @jaywhylie Sound – rufusambler Production Assistant – @svet_a_tyan Drone Operator – @_willmack Stunt Driver – @thearchitect_jamie BTS Photography – @sophie.sparkes Studio Shoot Location – @londonlighting10 Caterer – @aishagulzark #Akandaproductions #Roadtrip #Bts #filmproduction #project

The audtion that gave Fazwia and Tahiil life.🎥 This recording is from the audition process for ‘Roadtrip’, where @zak_n and @_susuahmed read opposite each other for the first time. They arrived at the same time coincidentally, ran a few snippets of the script together, and something immediately clicked. @commander_dan chose various sections of the work in progress script to test how they handled conflict, emotion, and reaction under pressure. Even at this early stage, both brought strong instincts to their roles. One detail appreciated by Daniel was Zak instintively changing “Dad” to “Aabe,” adding a cultural layer that deepened the character instantly. Auditions aren’t polished performances,they’re the first glimpse of what a character can become. Watching this back, we already see the foundations of what they would later bring to the film. Many thanks to @nikkibutonline and @itsalexbaro for their support during the audition process! #roadtripfilm #behindthescene #castingcalls #akandaproductions #filmmaking

On the stage at TNB XPO 2026 @commander_dan and Anthony Nduka Akada John took part in the Discovery Access Shorts Showcase at @tnbfc TNB XPO 2026 to discuss their roles within Àkàndá and our long-term vision for the company. Anthony shared his focus on creative partnerships, distribution, and building meaningful collaborations that create lasting opportunities, while @commander_dan spoke about creative direction, storytelling, and drawing from African and Somali history to shape the authentic narrative within our latest project. We were also joined on stage by @glamz.tan , who spoke about her upcoming project @love.lies.and.labyrinths and balancing life as a director, storyteller, and mother while creating work centred around mental health. It was a privilege to follow a thoughtful and insightful discussion with Robin Walker (@theblacksecret3 ) and Brother George Asari-Jean, and to be part of such a valuable day of film conversation, learning, and community. Huge thanks to the New Black Film Collective for having us. #TNBXPO2026 #NewBlackFilmCollective #BlackFilmmakers #IndependentFilm #AkandaProductions

We’re reflecting on the final pieces created by participants of the camera workshop at @areyouseeingthispresents ’ ‘This Will Be You’ event. The workshop explored how emotion can be expressed on screen, with participants randomly selecting ‘dread’ and ‘isolation’ then working collaboratively to translate the emotions into visual pieces using camera, lighting, and direction. @commander_dan , @matthiasdian , and @joycep.photography guided direction, camera, and lighting, creating a space where participants could visually express their inner worlds and translate feelings into powerful imagery. This workshop showed how learning camera, lighting, and direction can be made accessible, hands-on, and genuinely enjoyable for those stepping into it for the first time. #areyouseeingthis #filmworkshop #moodyvisual #innerworld #isolation

"Dan iyo tacab bay lahayd; Dedaal xejiyey lahayd, Xadhkiyo dabar bay lahayd Aqoon durugtay lahayd."- Mohamed Ibrahim Warsame (Hadrawi) We look forward to sharing 'Roadtrip' with you - untill then here are some behind the scenes photos from what was intense but amazing shoot ✨ Thanks to all the amazing production team and cast that made it happen 💛 Director – @commander_dan Fawzia – @_susuahmed Tahiil - @zak_n_ DOP – @anandsingh_dop Assistant Director – @itsalexbaro Script Supervisor – @nikkibutonline Gaffer – @catcastrophic Assistant Camera – @jaywhylie Sound – rufusambler Production Assistant – @svet_a_tyan Drone Operator – @_willmack Stunt Driver – @thearchitect_jamie BTS Photography – @sophie.sparkes Studio Shoot Location – @londonlighting10 Caterer – @aishagulzark #AkandaProductions #Roadtrip #FilmProduction #Storytelling #bts

Authentic. Raw. Truth. Speaking with @Sophflog , @commander_dan and @Mraj_77 reflects on the essence of the their experimental film ‘nature’, describing what the film means to them in three words.🎬 Watch the full interview to hear more from the discussion. https://youtu.be/rVH_YSkJsX8 #Nature #Natureinterview filmmaking #cinema #explorepage

After a longer than expected post-production journey, I’m incredibly proud to finally announce the completion of my latest short film. 🎬 'Roadtrip' is a political drama that explores grief, loss, and the enduring impacts of neo-colonialism. While the delays have not been ideal (we shot in May 2023!), they ultimately gave me the space to refine the story I wanted to tell. They also led me to amazing new collaborators who elevated this film in ways I couldn't have achieved alone. A massive thank you to everyone who made this film possible (full credits to be shared in future posts) from the crew, cast, those who gave pre production support, those who supported with script notes for the speech and provided technical support to ease my concerns about minor details that most won't even notice and those who connected me with amazing collaborators that made the film's completion possible. Your belief and support mean everything. I'm currently planning private screenings to raise funds for upcoming festival submissions. @akanda.productions will be sharing behind-the-scenes footage and images, film stills, interviews, and deeper dives into the themes of the film very soon. Follow for more updates! Memes made by @commander_dan and @itsalexbaro

What makes collaboration so powerful in filmmaking? In conversation with interviewer @sophflog , @commander_dan highlights how working with the right collaborator can completely transform a character. What might begin as a simple, one-dimensional idea can evolve into something richer and more layered when another creative mind steps in. Grateful for creative partnerships that are open, trusting, and willing to push the work further. Watch the full interview now live on YouTube. #natureshortfilm #filmmaking #creativity #actors #characterdevelopment

Silence can be loud. This final piece created by the participants of the camera workshop at @areyouseeingthispresents “This will Be You”event explores the themes of isolation, loneliness and exculsion. @commander_dan , @matthiasdjan and @joycep.photography facilitated direction, camera and lighting, creating space for partcitipants to visually reflect the emotional landscape of isolation. This creative and fun workshop is a powerful reminder of how film and photography can translate internal feelings into something we can see, feel, and reflect on. #creativeexpression #filmworkshop #moodyvisual #innerworld #isolation

“When we return to nature, it can feel like visiting a foreign land even though it’s where we come from.” . “While talking to interviewer @sophflog , @commander_dan through our experimental monologue film, ‘Natue’, reflects on identity, capitalism, and mental health while navigating life between two lanugages - English and Gujarati. . This film is a quiet reflection on slowing down, questioning the systems we live in, and rediscovering moments of stillness in a world that rarely pauses. 🌿 Watch the full video on YouTube now. /watch?v=4HSxzD2FrYA . Full Interview out soon! . #Mentalhealth #Nature #Shortfilm #Akandaproductions #explorepage