In this exclusive interview, we sit down with the visionary director, Mazi Chimex, to delve into the inspiration and creative process behind his latest masterpiece, “A Bag of Trouble,” coming to cinemas from August 18, 2023. A captivating Nigerian psycho comedy, the film promises to take audiences on a roller-coaster journey through the complexities of human behaviour and mindset. Mazi Chimex shares his insights on blending humour and psychological elements to create an engaging narrative, the casting process that led to Broda Shaggi’s unforgettable portrayal of Mosquito, and the underlying themes of entitlement and its consequences explored in the story. With a talented ensemble cast, a cohesive fusion of drama, comedy, and psychology, and a thought-provoking ending, “A Bag of Trouble” aims to leave a lasting impression on viewers. Join us as we uncover the brilliance behind this groundbreaking cinematic experience and explore the director’s vision in shaping the unique visual style and cinematography.
What inspired you to create “A Bag Of Trouble,” and what message do you hope the audience takes away from the film’s unique psycho comedy genre?
Mazi Chimex: “A Bag of Trouble” is a concept that has lived with me for many years, dating way back from my time in film school. I’ve always been intrigued by what separates the rich from the poor and what truly makes the poor, poor. Through my journey, I discovered that the key factor is mindset. The rich aren’t just those with wealth; they are the ones with a strong mindset. Even those who may appear poor are not truly so if they possess a positive mindset and are ready to seize opportunities when they arise.
“A Bag Of Trouble” appears to delve into the complexities of human behaviour and mindset. How did you approach blending humour and psychological elements to create an engaging narrative?
To tell a compelling and relatable story within a specific society, you must weave the narrative around its characteristics. In Nigeria, for instance, no matter how tough life gets, people always find a way to be happy and seek moments of joy. Understanding this, I adopted what I call the ‘Mama approach,’ which I learned from my mother. She used to hide medicine in a ball of eba with good soup, so we swallowed the balls with relish, and the pills found their way into our system. Similarly, I balanced humour and psychological elements to create an engaging narrative that resonates with the audience’s preferences.
Broda Shaggi’s portrayal of Mosquito adds a distinct charm to the film. How did you envision this character, and what qualities did you seek in an actor for this role?
The character of Mosquito became a part of me over the years, and I dreamt of an actor who could effortlessly live and breathe the role without appearing like they were acting. Broda Shaggi brought that perfect mix of charm and authenticity to the table.
The premise of the film revolves around Mosquito rescuing the politician’s daughter and expecting a reward. Can you elaborate on the themes of entitlement and its consequences explored in the story?
The film explores themes of wealth, fear, opportunities, and most importantly, mindset. It delves into the concept of entitlement and the consequences that arise when individuals feel entitled to rewards without considering the responsibility that accompanies them.
The film promises a roller-coaster of chaos in Mosquito’s life after receiving a bag of money as a reward. Could you share some pivotal moments in the story without giving away too much?
A: Mosquito’s journey is one that reflects the struggles and desires we all experience at some point in life. He grapples with unexpected wealth and the fear of how it may change his life forever. These pivotal moments lead him to question whether he can face the challenges that come with his newfound reward or seek excuses to run away.
The chemistry between characters often enhances the film’s impact. How did you work with the cast to build strong relationships among their characters?
Building strong relationships among the cast involved mutual respect, understanding the story’s psychological elements, and fostering an environment where actors could bounce off ideas. The passion and excellence of the actors, including Broda Shaggi, Emmanuel Ejekwu (Oga Sabinus), Jide Kosoko, Hafiz ‘Saka’ Oyetoro, and Bimbo Oshin, contributed to a delightful and strong bonding experience on set.
Comedy can be a challenging genre to execute effectively. What were the key challenges you faced in balancing the comedic elements with the film’s underlying psychological themes?
Comedy preferences differ, even within Nigeria. So, the main challenge was to be funny without being overly humorous, ensuring the humour appeals to a broad audience and doesn’t distract from the psychological depth of the story. I believe striking this balance allows the audience to engage with the film on multiple levels.
“A Bag Of Trouble” showcases the meeting point of different societal spheres – a vulcanizer and a politician’s family. How did you use this dynamic to reflect on social issues or cultural nuances?
The film intentionally portrays the two extreme societal classes: the high and the low. By doing so, it brings to light the social issues surrounding the perception that the wealthy do not adequately help the less privileged and the struggle of those who are not yet ready to accept assistance. These cultural nuances help viewers reflect on the disparities in society.
As a director, what were your primary goals in shaping the overall visual style and cinematography of the film?
My primary goal was simplicity. I aimed to create a visual style and cinematography that allowed the film’s message to permeate the audience’s core without any distractions.
“A Bag Of Trouble” portrays a fusion of drama, comedy, and psychology. How did you maintain a cohesive tone while exploring these diverse aspects of storytelling?
My partner, Collis T. Miller, and I decided early on to focus on the process message of the film, which led us to seamlessly blend drama, comedy, and psychology. By keeping our eye on this message, we ensured that all elements of storytelling worked harmoniously to create a cohesive and impactful experience.
The film’s storyline promises both humour and emotional depth. How do you balance these two elements to create a well-rounded cinematic experience?
The key is to have humour effortlessly complement emotional depth, so they don’t appear as separate entities. By skillfully intertwining humour and emotions, we achieved a well-rounded cinematic experience that resonates deeply with the audience.
“A Bag Of Trouble” has a talented ensemble cast. How did you foster a collaborative atmosphere on set to bring out the best in your actors?
Our talented cast displayed a high level of professionalism and passion for the project. Mutual respect, thorough conversations about the characters, motivations, and aspirations, allowed for a collaborative atmosphere on set. Their dedication and sacrifice made the filming process a delight and brought out the best in each actor.
The film’s plot explores the consequences of unexpected events in a person’s life. How did you approach pacing and tension to keep the audience engaged throughout the film?
Finding the right balance between pacing and allowing certain moments to sink in was crucial. We maintained a mix of pace when needed and slow build-up to create tension during critical moments, ensuring the audience remained engaged throughout the film.
The ending of the film is likely to leave a lasting impression on the audience. Without revealing spoilers, can you share your thoughts on the impact you intended to create with the conclusion?
Our main goal with the film’s ending is to lead the audience through a journey of catharsis, enabling them to connect with the highs and lows experienced by the characters. We hope the conclusion leaves a lasting impression and prompts self-reflection among viewers.
