When Samuel “Big Sam” Olatunji set out to shoot ‘A Weekend Fiasco’, he didn’t expect to spend most of the production fasting and praying for the rain to stop.
“Out of, like, 20-something days that we filmed, I fasted for over 20 days. I’m not kidding,” he told Nollywire at the Lagos premiere. “Every day, ‘God, just let us finish this thing.’ We even went to look for a rain catcher!”
The production, split between Badagry and La Campagne Tropicana in Ibeju Lekki, turned into a logistical marathon. “Look at the distance; we had to move on water,” Olatunji recalled. “It was a challenging experience doing that. But when you get into the cinema, you will love this film.”
Produced by Damilola Osikoya’s Switch Visuals, ‘A Weekend Fiasco’ releases in cinemas nationwide on September 5, 2025, and stars Ini Edo, Alex Ekubo, Chimezie Imo, Yvonne Jegede, Odunlade Adekola, Diva Gold, Lizzy Jay, Ilebaye Odiniya, Waje Iruobe, Liquorose, and Bro Bouche.
For actress Yvonne Jegede, ‘A Weekend Fiasco’ meant stepping into her most chaotic role in two decades of acting.
“This character is too chaotic for me. She’s manipulative, a schemer, and destructive. She will lead you into fire. Ajoke is mad,” Jegede said, laughing.
Olatunji had praised her earlier as “one of the most fantastic interpreters of role in Nollywood”, a compliment she accepted without hesitation: “I think he is absolutely right.”
Not everyone carried the weight of chaos. Chimezie Imo saw the film as an opportunity to loosen up after years of heavy dramatic roles. “This is so laid-back, enjoyable, and full of laughs. That’s why I wanted to do it – to just chill and have fun.”
For Ini Edo, the set was equal parts work and holiday. “Imagine like you’re on a weekend getaway, on a little island, and you’re just working and having a great time,” she said. “Vacation that doesn’t allow you enough bedtime.”
The film also marked a milestone for Diva Gold, who called it the first project she ever shot that would be released in cinemas. “To some people, it might not be a big deal. But I celebrate my wins, whether big or small. I’m just being grateful for the people who thought I was worthy of being in this.”
The night ended with playful banter that spilt into viral territory. Asked whether couples should be allowed “side options” to beat boredom in relationships, Olatunji stood firm:
“We must all find ways to cope, but I genuinely believe we should be monogamous. At the end of the day, it’s the same hole you’re smashing. No difference.”
Jegede took the middle ground: “Some people want boredom; some people want chaos. It depends on what works for you.”
While Imo sidestepped the debate entirely: “We’re all trying to figure this thing out called love. People should do what works for them but always be honest and communicate.”
And Ini Edo, never one to mince words, had the simplest recipe for lasting love: “A lot of love. A lot of sex. I don’t know. Thank you.”
