It is no longer about lacking the will to create them, instead, it is the challenge of simply finding the scene. All those future epic fantasies that would be captured through aesthetics-driven filming, pending the time of their release on streaming services, will all have their moment for incubation because of an enchanting oasis in the heart of Oyo State, which is the exact way Aníkúlápó (2022) director Kunle Afolayan wants the world to see a famous nature getaway he has built.

The signal is to visit the KAP Film Village & Resort in the Komu-Igbojaye district of Oyo and be more than a guest.

For the creative, deep-thinking mind, it is to come over and experience the best of both worlds—luxurious accommodations and the tranquility of nature while seeking relaxation and adventure in one destination.

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Beyond this is the invitation to see where a Netflix blockbuster Aníkúlápó came to life, and that is what the exclusive gathering would have found that they got to witness when they attended a Saturday, 12 April 2025, grand opening of the resort, which had governmental personalities like the Oyo State Governor Mr. Seyi Makinde as the main host, while in company of the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa.

This high-level delegation, joined by more VIPs, represented keen interest by stakeholders in Nollywood on the ascendancy, as well as furthering more tourism exposure in Nigeria. There is a path, and the nature-based getaway offering farm animals for view is expected to help the country get there.

Although it has been two days since the resort officially opened, the buzz remained high within Barr. Musawa’s agency, hence her comment this morning, stating that I’m incredibly proud of the work our creatives are doing, and I must commend Kunle Afolayan for bringing this vision to life. The KAP Film Village and resort is an example of Nigerian excellence.

Going forward, she says, the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy will explore strategic public-private partnerships to support the growth and expansion of the film village, unlocking its full potential as a cultural powerhouse and a premier tourism destination for both the state and Nigeria at large.

Other film villages are also being groomed by Nollywood personalities. The actor, Ibrahim Chatta, also in Oyo State, has the Africhatta Film Village in Oyo town he introduced in 2023, while up to 188 kilometres away, the award-winning film director and producer, Bolanle Austen-Peters, has unveiled her 10,000-acre BAP Film Village in Epe, Lagos State, making three top storytelling destinations in the southwest region alone.

What separates KAP Film Village & Resort from the rest? A unique blend of filmmaking and leisure certainly sticks out. Here in Igbojaye spans 40 acres of land with state-of-the-art facilities tailored for filmmakers.

There are advanced studios present, sound stages, and editing suites. Apart from hosting major productions like Aníkúlápó, it has also witnessed the creation of Ijogbon (2023), produced by Kunle Afolayan and distributed by Netflix, showcasing its capability to support high-quality projects.

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What truly sets it apart is its integration of a luxurious resort experience. Guests can enjoy serene accommodations, ranging from hotel rooms to private villas, alongside recreational facilities like swimming pools, landscaped gardens, and a fitness centre or dine in the iconic Afefeyeye tree house restaurant.

This combination makes it not just a hub for creativity but also a destination for relaxation and tourism, which has strong backing from two levels of government, the state and federal – both banding together to support Kunle Afolayan’s vision for the village, emphasises cultural preservation and posterity, adding a deeper significance to its establishment.

Ayodele Johnson

Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.