Bassey Daniels is a writer, content creator, and a boychild advocate. The first child of his parents; he had his primary and secondary education in Akure before proceeding to study Business Administration at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).

Bassey practically spent all his life in Ondo State before moving to Lagos in 2019 where he met the love of his life.

In this interview with CRISPNG, he talks about his career and his debut movie — ‘The Absentee’ — which talks about fatherhood as the world celebrates Father’s Day.

CrispNG: Please, tell us about ‘The Absentee’ and what inspired it

Bassey: The Absentee is the story of a boychild who lived all his life seeking to meet his estranged father before it gets too late. It takes us on an emotional journey that shows us that teaches the importance of the father-son relationship. The story is inspired by true life events. This is the reality of many children across the world, not just in Nigeria or Africa. I grew up without the presence of my dad and I know how it affected my growing up.

He passed just shortly after we reconnected and started getting close. It remains the saddest event of my life; what if we had reconnected earlier? What if he was present? A lot of what ‘ifs’. After his demise, I thought I wasn’t going to miss him but now, after seeing how much we shared in those few years, I miss him so much. Everyday, I wish he was here to see the man I’ve become and becoming.

CrispNG: What are the take homes from the movie and what should people expect?

Bassey: No child deserves to live without the presence of a father figure. No matter how old you become, that void can never be filled. More importantly, I want people to see how important it is for a boychild to have a father figure in his life. Most dysfunctional boys out there have no father figure in their lives. It’s high time fathers start changing the narrative. You are more than a provider.

CrispNG: Tell us about your journey to the big screen?

Bassey: It was my dad who brought the writer in me to life during the short period we spent together. I’d sent him text messages from time to time. One day, he called and just before we ended the conversation, he asked if I was a writer. I told him no and asked why. He went ahead to tell me that I had a way with words and that I should consider that path.

Read Full Interview here: https://www.crispng.com/interview-i-grew-up-without-my-dads-presence-bassey-daniels-unveils-debut-movie-the-absentee/