The Darkest Death: A Director's Tale of Success, Setbacks, and Future Plans

Oya Obinidodo in 2023 suspense film "The Darkest Death". Still image.
2023-2024. Oya Obinidodo. All rights reserved.

Oya Obinidodo's critically acclaimed suspense film, The Darkest Death, has taken an intriguing path since its release. Nominated for Best Feature Film at both the prestigious New York Monthly Film Festival 2024 and the Scream Queen Film Festival 2024, the film, starring Obinidodo herself alongside DJ Bobby D, initially saw a DVD release via Kunaki.com. However, this distribution avenue unexpectedly came to an end, leading to a fascinating story about the evolving landscape of film distribution and the challenges faced by independent filmmakers.

The Darkest Death film poster
2023-2024. Oya Obinidodo. All rights reserved.

The unexpected removal of The Darkest Death from Kunaki's DVD offerings stemmed from the platform's policy of automatically deleting products after 180 days without sales. Oya Obinidodo, unaware of this policy, discovered the deletion only after the fact. While this initially presented a setback, it ultimately led to a strategic decision. The film remains available on Blu-ray, a format Oya Obinidodo herself doesn't even own a player for! Recognizing the superior quality of Blu-ray compared to DVD, she opted not to re-release the DVD version and decided to just leave the film on Blu Ray. The film also continues to be available for purchase on Vimeo On Demand for $7.99.

This decision reflects a larger trend in the film industry, where high-definition formats are increasingly preferred. Furthermore, the decision underscores the complexities independent filmmakers face in navigating the ever-changing digital distribution landscape. The Darkest Death, a compelling narrative exploring the harsh realities of life on the streets as a lone prostitute, remains unavailable for free viewing, reflecting Oya Obinidodo's commitment to her artistic vision and its monetization.

Parking Lot Indulgence: Season 1. DVD cover. 
2024-2025. Oya Obinidodo. All rights reserved.

Looking beyond The Darkest Death, Oya Obinidodo's creative journey continues. She has no plans for another feature film, but will be releasing her next project, "Parking Lot Indulgence Season 1," on both DVD and Blu-ray next month. This decision is particularly interesting considering that all episodes of "Parking Lot Indulgence" are currently available for free on Dailymotion and YouTube. Oya Obinidodo's reasoning behind this release is simple: she recognizes that some viewers prefer the tangible experience of owning a physical copy, regardless of the availability of free online streaming. The DVD will be priced at $7.99 and the Blu-ray version will be priced at $15.99.

This move highlights a significant point often overlooked in the digital age: the enduring appeal of physical media. While streaming services dominate the market, there's a dedicated audience that values the ownership and collectability of physical copies. For Oya Obinidodo, this represents not just a revenue stream, but also a way to connect with a segment of her audience that appreciates the tangible aspects of film consumption. The decision also reflects a shrewd understanding of the diverse preferences of viewers within the modern entertainment landscape.

The stories of The Darkest Death and "Parking Lot Indulgence Season 1" offer a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and choices facing independent filmmakers in the 21st century. Navigating the complexities of distribution, balancing artistic vision with financial realities, and understanding the diverse preferences of viewers are all crucial aspects of success in this dynamic industry. Obinidodo's journey serves as an insightful case study for aspiring filmmakers and a reminder of the enduring power of physical media in the digital age.

FAQ

Q: Where can I watch "The Darkest Death"?

A: "The Darkest Death" is currently available on Vimeo On Demand for $7.99. It is also available on Blu- Ray on Kunaki.com. 

Q: Why wasn't "The Darkest Death" re-released on DVD?

A: Oya Obinidodo was unaware of Kunaki.com's 180-day policy for deleting unsold products. After the DVD was removed, she decided not to re-release it due to the superior quality of the Blu-ray format.

Q: Where can I purchase "Parking Lot Indulgence Season 1"?

A: "Parking Lot Indulgence Season 1" will be available on DVD for $7.99 and Blu-ray next month for $15.99.

Q: Why is Oya Obinidodo releasing "Parking Lot Indulgence Season 1" on DVD and Blu-ray when it's free online?

A: Oya Obinidodo recognizes that some viewers prefer the experience of owning a physical copy, even if it's available for free online.

Q: Does Oya Obinidodo plan to make more feature films?

A: Currently, Oya Obinidodo does not have plans to make another feature film. Her focus is on "Parking Lot Indulgence" and other potential projects.

Q: What is the overall theme or genre of "The Darkest Death"?

A: "The Darkest Death" is a suspense film that explores the harsh realities of life on the streets as a lone prostitute.