FB

The documentary film “The Sacred Art Movement” by Olusola Otori will be screened as a national première on the occasion of the XV Florence Biennale (Fortezza da Basso, Florence, 18-26 October 2025), themed “The Sublime Essence of Light and Darkness. Concepts of Dualism and Unity in Contemporary Art and Design”.

The documentary has been honored and screened at the Sacramento Pan African Film Festival 2005, the London Pan African Film Festival Festival 2005, the 7th Dumbo Film Festival New York 2005, and the African USA International Film Festival Los Angeles, California 2005. 

“The Sacred Art Movement” sheds light on the lives and remarkable collaborative efforts of artists and artisans who dedicated their lives to preserving the Osun-Osogbo forest and cultural heritage under the supervision of Susanne Wenger, an Austrian born sculptor now recognized as the pioneer of the “New Sacred Art Movement” in Osogbo, western Nigeria. Several important themes are raised through this film including human values and ethics, environmental protection and social responsibility, the role of Susanne Wenger, an outsider, and the complex issues surrounding the coexistence of art and traditional Yoruba practice in the deeply Christian and Islamic context of Nigeria. 

The documentary was filmed over a period of eight years by Olusola Otori, a Nigerian filmmaker as he explored the intersection of spiritualism and art. He visited Osun-Osogbo Grove regularly documenting spiritual spaces, sacred shrines of deities and effigies of the goddess Osun. 

Over time, the documentary captures rare footage of the most important original artists of the “New Sacred Art Movement" including Adebisi Akanji and Sangodare Ajala (both of whom passed away recently). These two important artists trained the next generation of artists and artisans who continue restoring the art in the traditional way in accordance with the significance and spirituality of the essence of the shrines and sculptures. The thoughts of this legacy generation are also beautifully communicated in this documentary. 
 

The Director

Olusola Otori is a multimedia artist based in Lagos, Nigeria, whose practice is rooted in an exploration of power and spirituality with an aim of evaluating their collective impact on everyday life. His work process delves into the nuances of the intertwined relationship between these two entities and the multifaceted nature of power dynamic. Otori untangles even the most complicated of issues with gentleness and a presence with his art that conveys a realization of the power of transformation to his audience. He collaborates with everyday people, whose stories and perspectives provide him with an avenue to examine the physical and metaphysical realms in innovative ways. 

Otori received his training first as an apprentice at the “Abayomi Barber School of Thought” in the University of Lagos between 1992 and 1998. In 2002, he studied Art and Design at the Yaba College of Technology and established his multimedia studio thereafter constantly working on photography assignments and commissioned art projects. In 2014, he studied Digital Filmmaking at the SAE Institute, Cape Town, South Africa. 

His works have been showcased in various art exhibitions including “Inner Thoughts” in the Nimbus African Art Center, Lagos (2004), “Think Art Auction” in the National Museum,  Lagos (2005), the 4th International Art Festival in Chania, Crete, Greece (2005), “Dance of the Mind” in the Gallery Lagos (2009), Kampala Art Biennale, Uganda (2014), and “Greener Pastures" in the Didi Museum, Lagos (2021).

Credits & Cast

Director: Olusola Otori
Cinematographers: Muyideen Ayinla, Muri Adebayo, Sola Otori
Still photographers: Adolphus Opara
Script Editor: Niyi David
Narrator: Rose Hill
Background music: PalettePlus Multimedia studios, Epidemic sound
Original music score: Kenneth Oleka, Sola Otori, Samson Olawale, Iroko Percussions of Africa, Kayode Balogun, Aloyinlapa African Drum Ensemble, Aare-IIu Erin-Osun Drum Ensemble
Final sound mix: HQ multimedia studios, Ajhaastrup Film productions
Editors: Pelumi Akintomiwa, TEF media Lagos, Kamoru Muri Adebayo
Colorist: Pelumi Akintomiwa
Graphics: Segun Kolade
Archival video footage: Susanne Wenger—Her Art and Life by Wolfgang Lesowsky, Archival photographs, Adunni Olorisha Trust, Susanne Wenger Foundation
Cast: Adebisi Akanji, Kasali Akangbe Ogun, Rabiu Abesu, Rabiu Adeleke, Ajibike Oguniyi, Adedoyin Talabi Olosunfaniyi, Sangodare Gbadegesin Ajala, Bintu Lamidi, Kikelomo Oladepo, Adeyemi Oseni, Buraimoh Gbadamosi, Jinadu Oladepo, Asiru Oladepo, Kasali Oladepo, Yemi Bisiri, Saka Aremu, Lamidi Aruisa, Foyeke, Zainab Oloyede, Wasiu Ajibike Oguniyi, Motunrayo Ojewale, Kehinde Kujenyo, Nurudeen Adebisi Akanji, Nurudeen Badmus, Sangosakin Ajala, Ladunni Keshinro, Sodiq Adeleke, Ajayi Adeyemi, Adunola Oladipo, Wasiu Oyebanji, Oguntoye Lekan, Sodiq Adebisi