Filmmaker, Damilola Bamiloye has opened up about the emotional experience of directing his father, veteran Christian filmmaker Mike Bamiloye, in the remake of the classic film Agbara Nla, more than three decades after the original.

Speaking on The Morayo Brown Show alongside his brother and co-director, Joshua, Damilola said watching his father step back into the same role he played when the brothers were children brought memories rushing back.

He said he almost shed tears at one point on set, as he recalled growing up and watching his father act the same scenes.

The brothers also explained why they decided to remake the film. According to them, the aim was to make the story accessible to a wider audience. They said the original, which was released in seven parts, has been condensed into a single movie running for about two hours and thirty minutes.

Damilola has also said the idea began about four years ago, when he and Joshua approached their father about revisiting some of his old stories, and that the film was shot in roughly 20 to 21 days.

Titled Agbara Nla: The Return, the remake is rooted in the 1993 production by Mount Zion Film Productions, which became one of the most influential Christian films in Africa. The original, also known as The Ultimate Power, explores spiritual warfare and the triumph of God’s power over evil.

The new version keeps the original story and characters but updates them for contemporary audiences.

Mike Bamiloye reprises his iconic role as Isawuru, while Damilola also features as Kola. The cast includes Philip Olubakin as Olaboye and Aanu Kolade-Abiodun as Bose. The film is produced by Chris Odeh in collaboration with Mount Zion Film Productions, Sozo Films and Circuits, with Mohammed Sedik and Damilola as co-producers.

Agbara Nla: The Return opens in cinemas nationwide on October 1, with distribution handled by Blue Pictures Distribution.