News & Releases

‘Chukwu Martin, credited with Oga Mike, Mr Gbenga’s Harddrive, and We Are Not Men Anymore, has added another to his social commentary films. Written and directed by ‘Chukwu Martin, produced by Atewo Media in collaboration with Sweet Potato Films. It follows the story of Chisom, whose decisions leave her estranged from her family. She finds solace in her friend Tobi, who inspires her to return home and reconcile with her family. The short play stars Zinah Ndubueze, Tolulope Akande, and Adediran Olaseni, Cinematography by Oladele Bello “Xithpriest”, Sound recordist, Appiah Jephthah, and Ethan Abanikannda as Assistant director. The short film is now available on YouTube. It is tagged a film for all seasons. According to ‘Chukwu Martin, he decided to tell a Christmas story that’s a bit more hopeful, after “Oga Mike” – a tragedy as “Home” attempts to capture the spirit of the festive season through the simple human connections, unspoken hopes, and small miracles that often direct our choices to a more positive outcome. Above all, everyone needs a home to share and experience the joy of the season. The production is a work of love and I’m grateful to the cast and crew who gave their time and energy to play and share their gifts with me. We all took the challenge to complete this project in 48 hours. Watch Home 

Ọkụkọ Christmas, the directorial debut of Udechukwu “The 12” Uchenna, is a horror film set for premiere on AgunzeTV YouTube channel on 21-12-2024. The story follows students confronting nightmares while seeking Christmas joy on a Nigerian campus. Shot entirely on a Samsung Galaxy S23, it highlights indie filmmaking’s innovative spirit.

When Gbenga Adeoti, the founder of Filmjoint, had the idea for Filmjoint and Filmjoint Awards, the mission was simple: creating a thriving market for short film filmmakers. Thus, over the years, the platform has premiered films from both local and international filmmakers.  The conveners of the Filmjoint invited members of the press, filmmakers and industry experts to an intimate press briefing and nomination announcement held at British Council, Lagos, ahead of the second edition of the Filmjoint Awards.  The FilmJoint Awards ceremony which is scheduled to take place in February 2025, is created and hinged on the need to shine well-deserving attention on the filmmakers involved in the making of a film. From the director, to the editor, cinematographer, writer, costumier, sound designer and gaffer, equal attention and vest is given to celebrating their efforts. Often described as the “Oscars of Short Films,” The Filmjoint Awards additionally gives laurels to filmmakers, actors, and creators who bring captivating stories to life.  The essence of the press briefing and nomination announcement beyond anything is to build anticipation ahead of the ceremony in 2025. And also provide, for the members of the press, key insights and details about the Filmjoint Awards. There was a short panel discussion held with Tolu Ajayi, one of the screening judges. Of all the deep insights he shared, one that stood tall is this: “Don’t let the economies of your budget reflect on the screen.” Ajayi said this when responding to questions around budget constraints. The filmmaker believes that “poverty” for a thoughtful filmmaker is a blessing.  After this panel session, the nomination list was gradually announced.  See the full list of the 2025 Filmjoint Awards Nominees.  Best Picture (non voting)  Hippogryph films – Bunuelesque Adam Survey & Tony Ogunyinka – Jujuman Damilola Aleje – Conversations From The Past Segilola Ogidan – The Birth Serah Ibukun & Obadofin Oreoluwa – The Interrogation Of Lotanna Moses Ipadeola – Ekún Ìyàwó: A Tale of a Runaway Bride 7. Moyosore Akinsete – Love, Olaitan Best Director Segilola Ogidan – The Birth Reginald Jumbo – Interrogation of Lotanna Moyosore Akinsete – Love, Olaitan Smart Edikan – Cry Me Awake Moses Ipadeola – Ekún Ìyàwó: A Tale of a Runaway Bride Doyinsola Ajayi  -Maki Chukwuka Ndife -The Major Best International Film (non voting)  Bunuelesque (United Kingdom) Jujuman (United Kingdom) Ibrahim (United States of America) Dojo (United States of America) Wiedergeburt (Rebirth) – (United States of America) Best African Film(non voting) The Interrogation of Lotanna (Nigeria) Conversations from The past (Nigeria) Ekún Ìyàwó: A Tale of a Runaway Bride (Nigeria) Mike and Mariam (Tanzania) Taama (Uganda) Best Indigenous Film Moses Ipadeola – Ekún Ìyàwó: A Tale of a Runaway Bride Frank Nosa – Edeleyo – The Decision Reginald Jumbo – The Interrogation of Lotanna Smart Edikan – Cry Me Awake  Stephane Necus – Psyched Adekunle Blue – Man and Masquerades Babatunde Lawal -Honeycomb Best Cinematography  Damilare Adeesho -Bush Baby Solomon Essang – The Birth Collins Edemuzor, Ugonna Samuelson Eze – The Major Ademola Adebisi – Sweat and Blood Oghenetega Odikpa – The Delectable Azeezah Sama Best Production Design  Tinuola Nwachukwu – Ekún Ìyàwó: A Tale of a Runaway Bride Ifan Ifeanyi Michael – Conversations From The Past Okoro Elvis – Edeleyo – The Decision Chidi Onuike – The Major Joshua Amos  – Cry Me Awake Ademola Adebisi -Sweat and Blood Best Sound Overall Kazeem Kaycekeys Taiwo –  Ekún Ìyàwó: A Tale of a Runaway Bride Chukwuka Ndife – The Major Prince Olusam Gbadamosi – Tele Tele Irmiya Pwanonzadi –  Bush Baby Okoro Prince Onyedikachi -Edeleyo – The Decision Best Actor in a Leading Role  William Chinonyenem – The Interrogation Of Lotanna Desmond Bryce  – Man and Masquerades Greg Ojefua – Road Trip Nonso Ekemezie – The Delectable Azeezah Sama Chris Akoh – Breakfast Over Dinner Korede Soyinka – Tele Tele Peter Inyang – Bush Baby  Best Actress in a Leading Role Segilola Ogidan – The Birth Chinenye Ulaegbu – Cry Me Awake Teniola Aladese – Maki Isoken Aruede  – The Delectable Azeezah Sama Fadekemi Olumide-Aluko  – Conversations From The Past Mary Edet – Psyched Bona Efua – Anthology of Emotions Best Screenplay(Original or Adapted) Segilola Ogidan – The Birth Tobi Marho & Babatunde Lawal – Honeycomb Bola Daniel – Turning Point Linda Marrick – Maki Oluwagbenga Idahosa – Last Cab Home Sandra Iroegbu, Uche Mordi – Ume (Breathe) Best Costume Design Bridget Osemwengie – Edeleyo – The Decision Tele Tele The Major FG Ajileye – Conversations From The Past Ogunfeyitimi Omoloro – Ekún Ìyàwó: A Tale of a Runaway Bride Olaoye Omotosho – Cry Me Awake Best Makeup/SFX Benita Imomoh – Bush Baby Chidi Onuike – The Major Nwankwo Chidera – Cry Me Awake Abisoye Balogun – Ekún Ìyàwó: A Tale of a Runaway Bride Augustina Enokehan – Edeleyo – The Decision Moradeke Adeniran – Sweat and Blood Best Film Editing Adebeshin Samuel – The Birth Chukwuka Ndife – The Major Tunde Moses, Hassan Oluwapelumi, Vivian Chinaza – Bush Baby Bolanle Jegede – The Delectable Azeezah Sama Olamilekan Adebayo – Tele Tele Okosa Augustine – Jude Best Documentary Film Daniel Omokhagbo Itegboje – On your own Samad Uthman – Agbo: Poison or Remedy Emmanuel Izuoba- The Way We Are Florence Imo – 28 Days   Ian Gituku Ngene – Sipping Words  Solomon Ojochegbe Shaibu – Ade: Depth of Devotion  Adeleye “Leyonne” Adeniyi – Afrobuck Best Student Film ​Emerald Obahiagbon – Flawed Cupid Doyinsola Ajayi – Angel in the Stone Wuraola Adeniran & Deborah Ahme – Rekiya Chukwufumnanya Oluwatobi – Ijo, A Dance Jimeto Onyedika – The Last Sane Man In Lagos Che Messiah – Endless Loop Jury Award For Outstanding Storytelling Segilola Ogidan – The Birth Moyosore Akinsete – Love, Olaitan Adesola Oni – Conversations From The Past Reginald Jumbo – The Interrogation of Lotanna Babatunde Lawal – Honeycomb Filmjoint Award for Voice of Impact Daniel Omokhagbo Itegboje – On your own Imoh Eboh & Bolaji Gelax – 28 days Adebayo Oluatunmise Ayobami – Kaseko Taiwo Bukky Omotesho & Orobosa Ikponmwen – Bodmas Korede

By Oluwatomiloba Adejumobi and Gafar Tinuoye Ibadan Indie Film Awards (IFÁ) has announced the lineup of films that will be screening at this year’s edition. Scheduled to happen from 29th to 30th of November at the homely atmosphere of the New Culture Studio at Mokola, Ibadan, this year’s event promises more indie cinematic immersion.  IFÁ is a growing community for Nigerian indie filmmakers. The community recognizes and rewards the works of independent Nigerian filmmakers creating in Africa, and across the globe. This year’s theme “The New Culture” pays homage to the ideals of The New Culture Studio where the spirit of artistic independence has always been preached through the creative mind of Demas Nwoko. In their statement, IFÁ 2024 is celebrating artistic rebels who are curious and adventurous with their works.  Official Selection  Seun Richard’s Oba Omo(The King Child), Olateju Oladepo’s Theory of Egg, Poki and Olutayo’s  All The Places I Loved, Moses Ipadeola’s  Ekún Íyàwó: A Tale of A Runaway Bride, Theo–Ziny’s Evil Spirit, Get Out, Isiaka Shem’s Closed Book, Joseph Adeniy’s Afrobuck, The Old Soldier by Dayo George, Uchenne Ugwu’s  I Too,  Crave Death, Bush Baby by Tega Odikpa. Also, The Gods Must be Joking by Yinusa A. Korede, Olisa Eloka’s Loose Cannon, Ìgbélé(Seclusion) by Tolulope Akande Salamatu’s Rhapsody by Abu-bakr S. Adamu, Oluwatimilehin Adejumo, Honeycomb by Babatunde Lawal, Trigger Warning by Ayomide Bayowa, Adore You: A Study of What it Feels Like to Watch Myself by Gbolahan Qudus Laniyan, Tì E  Nbò by Chinazaekpere Chukwu, Precious Irogalachi’s Iwa Ji: A Celebration of The Igbo Culture,  ‘Chukwu Martin’s Oga Mike, Able Leader by Wisdom AnuoluwapoDeji-Folutile, Threshold by Eniola Zainab Busari, Abolaji Rasaq’s Akiti(Monkey) and lastly, Scars of Love by Joshua Ibejigba.  Similar to the activities of previous editions, officially selected films will be screened and reviewed by audiences—filmmakers, cinephiles, and other creatives. This event promises inspiring film discussions with a sharp focus on the films in selection. These conversations are poised to inspire young filmmakers to create their own daring and unique stories.  IFÁ also announced its jury members including Omoladun Adenuga, Daro Umaigba & Taiwo Egunjobi.  Omoladun Adenuga’s portfolio showcases her exceptional skill as a writer, director, and producer. She seamlessly blends creativity with strategic thinking and a relentless work ethic to deliver fresh, engaging content for global brands like Africa Magic, AccelerateTV for Access Bank, RoK Studios, Teen Africa Television, the Bankers’ Committee for the Central Bank of Nigeria, Fuzu Nigeria, Zedcrest Wealth Managers, Katung Films, independent producers and most recently, Sudu Connexion, a prominent pan-African distribution company based in France.  Daro Umaigba is an award-winning Nigerian filmmaker, photographer, and motion designer passionate about amplifying African stories. With over two decades of experience, he contributed to the African creative landscape and gained international recognition. His work blends cultural reverence with contemporary aesthetics, producing iconic opening titles for TV shows and acclaimed projects like Showmax Original’s documentary series, Freemen. This seven-part series explores the Igbo Apprenticeship System, hailed globally for its economic empowerment and mentorship. Taiwo Egunjobi is a Nigerian screenwriter and film director. He has a B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Ibadan, Lagos, Nigeria. He started writing and producing short films as an undergraduate and continued as a screenwriter in the Nigerian Film Industry, writing screenplays for films such as Gidi Blues, The Grudge, and Sidi Ilujinle, working with Femi Odugbemi and Tunde Kelani. He is inspired by the works of Yasujuro Ozu, Tunde Kelani, and Quentin Tarantino. His last short film is titled Crushed Roses adapted from the novelette Crushed Roses: The Saga of An Undefined Relationship by Nigerian writer, Ibiere Addey. IFÁ summons every film enthusiast and creative from Ibadan and beyond to be part of this event. We will be there and look forward to the IFÁ experience  Register here to attend. 

By Towobola Dada and Chinedu J. Orjiudeh Created by Michael Omonua, Abba T. Makama, and C.J “Fiery” Obasi, The Surreal16(S16) Film Festival is scheduled to be held from 10th to 13th December 2024. Having fostered a platform for African voices, creativity, and connection, the festival has welcomed Nigerian indie filmmakers to screen and hold meaningful conversations around their films. This year’s theme is Technologic, moving away from To God Be The Glory, which was last year’s theme.  In an official statement from the organizers, they said, “Over four days, our community of film lovers will be treated to a series of new wave cinema, an exhibition, panel conversations, and a themed party. Beginning on December 5-8 at Alliance Francais, Lagos.” The team is gradually releasing the festival selections following a meticulous selection process. As of the time of this report, 11 short films including the opening and closing films have been announced to a warm reception.  The festival is lined up vibrantly to celebrate unfiltered African, thought-provoking shorts, immersive feature-length narratives, and documentaries featuring diverse story worlds, talents, and perspectives. Rungano Nyoni’s On Becoming A Guinea Fowl is the opening film, while Denise Fernandes’s Hanami is the closing one.  The selected short films include Rete Poki’s Everything Lasts and Nothing Ends, Nosazemen Agbontaen’s Kpakpangolo, Dika Ofoma’s God’s Wife, Arnaud Rwasangabo’s Echoes of the Heart, Adeola Fadola’s Reborn, The Fluid Collective’s Fluid Lagos, Tomisin Adepeju’s Journey Mercies, Tobi Onabolu’s Danse Macabre, and Uwana Anthony Churchy’s Everything Must End. The organizers have announced that there will be panel sessions and more feature-length announcements.  As young and budding film critics, it’s with great anticipation and joy that we look forward to the upcoming indie film festival, featuring an impressive lineup of films. Films that offer more than just entertainment, but provide an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the creative talents behind them. We will continue to be supporters of film festivals; especially in Nigeria, festivals that serve as a testament to the limitless possibilities in African Cinema, offering a glimpse into its bright and progressive future.