Benny Boom & Solomon Onita Jr. Talk New Film 'Tazmanian Devil' | SWAY’S UNIVERSE

Name: Benny Boom & Solomon Onita Jr. Talk New Film 'Tazmanian Devil' | SWAY’S UNIVERSE
Uploaded: 2025-11-07T08:02:56-08:00
Duration: 37 min 18 s
Channel: SWAY'S UNIVERSE
Description: Solomon Onita Jr. and Benny Boom discuss Solomon's directorial debut 'Tasmanian Devil,' a semi-autobiographical film exploring the struggles of…

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About this episode Solomon Onita Jr. and Benny Boom discuss Solomon's directorial debut 'Tasmanian Devil,' a semi-autobiographica… AI summary

Solomon Onita Jr. and Benny Boom discuss Solomon's directorial debut 'Tasmanian Devil,' a semi-autobiographical film exploring the struggles of first-generation immigrants and the transformative power of fraternity brotherhood. The conversation highlights the importance of tangible work ethic in securing industry support, with Benny Boom emphasizing that established figures are more likely to assist creators who have already made significant progress on their projects.

Key takeaways 5

The film 'Tasmanian Devil' uses the hazing/pledging process as an external outlet for internal family trauma, specifically the struggle between a first-generation Nigerian father and his Americanized son.
Benny Boom only agreed to executive produce after seeing Solomon had already cast lead actor Abraham Attah and secured locations, proving that demonstrating existing momentum attracts high-level support.
Solomon's career trajectory involved starting as an intern/PA for Spike Lee and working his way up through music video directing for artists like Nas and 50 Cent before becoming a feature director.
The film intentionally bridges the gap between African and African American cultures by using authentic Nigerian clothing and traditions to counter stereotypes.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. does not endorse hazing, but the film uses the concept of pledging to show how brotherhood can mold young men into responsible adults.

Notable quotes 4 AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.

“You have to be invited in so it's always the uphill battle... but if you're trying to run around looking for clout looking for people to support you if you haven't really done nothing then there's nothing for somebody to come support.”

▶ 10:02 Solomon Onita Jr. explaining why he was able to secure Benny Boom's help; he had already done the hard work before asking for assistance.
“Here's a guy that's really taking his own career in his own hands... he's not waiting for or needing my assistance so that actually you know charged me up more and inspired me actually to to really want to help him because i saw that okay he's going to get it done regardless.”

▶ 24:59 Benny Boom explaining his decision to invest in Solomon's project after seeing his existing progress.
“The hazing really is an external outlet for daiyo for what's really going on at home with his father... it's really a release and an outlet for him because he knows there's a positive outcome from it.”

▶ 18:06 Benny Boom analyzing the narrative function of hazing in the film as a coping mechanism for family conflict.
“I just want to show us as we really are and give us different looks of who we can be... not everything has to be a struggle movie or like racial injustices all that all that type of stuff.”

▶ 14:38 Solomon Onita Jr. discussing his goal to empower African Americans by showing diverse, authentic representations beyond stereotypical struggles.