Rising Nigerian director Babatunde Lawal has earned a major international spotlight as his debut feature film, Hidden Hand With A Last Card, is officially selected to premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF). The film is a raw and intimate portrait of loyalty, sacrifice and survival, the film will be showcased as part of the festival’s celebration of African and diaspora cinema.
Produced by Meroestream (Ticket to Life, Honeycomb, Double Whammy), a fast-growing production company dedicated to elevating African stories and nurturing young storytellers, the film marks a significant creative milestone. For Lawal — known for his work in theatre and short-form film Honeycomb — this feature debut is both personal and political, reflecting the tensions of friendship and choice in a time of economic pressure.
“This is great news,” said Lawal. “To see the film not just completed, but also recognised on a global stage like TINFF, is incredibly humbling. Hidden Hand With A Last Card is a reflection of our everyday negotiations between love and fear, trust and survival. I’m honoured that this story gets to travel.”
At the heart of the production is Meroestream’s ongoing mission: to create space for emerging African voices and to champion narratives that speak with truth, complexity, and cultural depth. “This selection by TINFF is more than a recognition of one film — it’s a moment for the entire team and our belief in the power of authentic African storytelling,” said producer Korede Olayinka. “We’re proud of what this film represents and excited for the world to see it.”
TINFF, an acclaimed platform that amplifies African and Black diasporic cinema, continues to spotlight the next generation of boundary-pushing filmmakers. Hidden Hand With A Last Card will screen as part of its 2025 programme, joining a line-up of films that reimagine the present and future of African cinema.
Hidden Hand With A Last Card wrapped filming in August 2024 and features actors like Akin Lewis, Damilola Oni, Desmond Jegede, Mofehintola Jebutu, Chabod Oyejide, Ifeoluwa Ogunade, Godspower Nwogwugwu and Dami Deremi
8 thoughts on “BABATUNDE LAWAL’S DEBUT FEATURE TO PREMIERE AT 2025 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL NOLLYWOOD FILM FESTIVAL”
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