Damilola Mike- Bamiloye, a filmmaker, is the first son of Evangelist Mike Bamiloye of the Mount Zion Film Productions fame.
An OSUN CITIZEN from Ijebu-Jesa, and a graduate of Mass Communication from Bowen University, Iwo, in The state of Osun, he Is married to Dr. Emmanuela and they are blessed with a baby girl named Gloria Oluwasemilogo.
In this chat with Executive Editor of OSUN CITIZEN; DOTUN OLANIBI, the hardworking gentleman talked about Gospel films, his parents, his growing up, passion, career and of course, the much talked about biopic on the early life of his father; THE TRAIN: THE JOURNEY OF FAITH.
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The general belief is that it’s easy for you to go into movie production because your parents are fully involved in the industry, how did your parents influence your choice of profession?
To be honest there was a huge degree of influence from my parents which I cannot deny. The reason is because I was born into the ministry of drama. Growing up in the AGBARA NLA era, I remember introducing my name and people will be so excited to see me especially when I say My name is “Damilola Mike-Bamiloye.”
So I have always been passionate since I was little. When my mates were sleeping to wake up early for school I would prefer to follow my dad for film shooting because to me that was where the action was. I wrote my first script copying my daddy’s script. Then I started writing my own stories but copied the same format he used for his. There is no denying the fact that many things I know about film making comes from him. But then came I time as I grew film making became a calling, a ministerial tool and not just something I do for passion.
Why did you choose to go into movie production and not any other kind of profession?
Like I said earlier, it is my passion. It’s about the only thing I can do well.
Some people believe GOSPEL MOVIES are too sentimental because they preach about Christ only and don’t generalise the message they are trying to pass across to people with their movies?
That is what Gospel movie is about. It is about preaching the good news of Jesus Christ. Any other news, no matter how good is it is no longer gospel. We are called to preach the gospel of Jesus through our movies.
As a young man, what are the things you were able to include in your production which you think it’s a step ahead of your parents?
One of the things my parents made clear was that we ( My brother, My sister and myself ) must be a better version of them. So the quality of the movies we have now are far better than the quality released back then.
Back then it was other professionals ( camera crew and editor) that handle our works because we were not matured enough to handle. But right now my brother and I are fully involved in the production and post production. So we have the vision of bringing out the best.
Can you tell us about other family members of yours (apart from your parents) that are into acting/ movie production?
The mount Zion family is made up seven families. The Adepoju families, The Akintunde, The Adebayos, The Abrahams, The Oluwagbemis, The Bamideles. These are fathers and Mothers that have been part of the ministry for the past 25- 30 years. They are the pillars of Mount Zion.
How do you get inspiration for your work?
The Holy Spirit is my greatest Inspiration.
If you’re asked to do a SECULAR MOVIE, will you do it or you’re strictly into GOSPEL MOVIES production?
I am a full time Drama minister and I am strictly into gospel film production.
People say GOSPEL MOVIES makers don’t involve secular actors in their movies, an act they see as being discriminatory, what can you say about this?
It is not discriminatory it is principle. Every actor you see in a gospel film are ministers. We are not entertainers. It is not just a job, it is our life. Our purpose, Our calling. I don’t think a secular actor can have that level of deep devotion.
How challenging was your TALK OF THE TOWN movie; THE TRAIN and how were you able to overcome the challenges?
It was sincerely challenging but God made us scale through. Get the right set take a lot of time and patience. One of the factors that made THE TRAIN successful was because we had cast and crew who are ministers and who are ready to sacrifice in cash and in kind to make sure the movie became a success.
Do you prefer to be addressed as PASTOR or EVANGELIST, if not, what would you rather prefer to be addressed as?
Well in some gathering they call me “Pastor”, in some other places “Evangelist” and in so many place they just call me “Dammy” . So any one will do.
If you’re not into movie production, which other profession would you have gone into?
Honestly I have no idea. This is the only thing I know how to do.
Your fan base is expanding by the day, can you use this opportunity to say few things to them?
Jesus loves you and cares for you.
