South African actor Jesse Suntele, best known for his role in Savage Beauty, has revealed the trailer for his latest film, Freedom Way, which is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). In an emotional post on his Instagram timeline, Jesse Suntele shared his excitement, saying, “IT’S TRAILER TIME! We’re 2 days out!! I still can’t believe we have a film premiering at TIFF!”
Freedom Way holds a special place in Jesse Suntele’s heart, as he describes it as not just a career milestone but a life-changing experience. “It was an eye-opener for me, an educational time in Nigeria. I learned so much from the story of the film,” he wrote. He emphasised the power of storytelling from different parts of the world, praising his Nigerian co-stars and crew for bringing such a rich narrative to life.
The film follows two software developers, Themba (played by Jesse Suntele) and Tayo (Mike Afolarin), who launch a rideshare app called Eazy Go to connect commercial motorcyclists, known as “Okada riders,” with customers in Lagos. However, their success is quickly overshadowed by police extortion and a sudden government ban on Okada, leaving their business in peril and riders like Abiola (played by Adebowale Adedayo, aka Mr. Macaroni) without livelihoods.
Directed by Afolabi Olalekan, Freedom Way offers a sharp critique of the political struggles faced by Nigerian youth, highlighting how systemic challenges can derail even the most promising ventures. Suntele expressed his gratitude to the cast and crew, calling the film “a labor of love.”
