theo-ziny joel

Filmmaker Theo-ziny Joel (Evil Spirit, Get Out) has completed principal photography on his debut feature, A Burial for Kulu Yandaki, a satirical dark comedy. A journey of a Father and Son with a Coffin. Set in the culturally rich landscapes of northern Nigeria, Plateau, Jos. The project, currently in post-production, is set to make its way to international film festivals upon completion. This film, made in partnership with Abazee Productions, owned by Olukanmi Abayomi Jeremiah, written and directed by Theo-ziny Joel, with cinematography by Twamsan Danaan, and produced by Ruth Jambu, Johnson Awolola, and Olukanmi Abayomi Jeremiah. Described as one of the most daring and rewarding undertakings of his creative life, Theo-ziny reflects on the production process with a mix of gratitude and resolve.  “We did it afraid and bold,” he says, speaking to the anxiety and courage that marked the early days of production. “It was just me and a young, passionate crew—hungry to tell a story, committed to the journey.” Shot with a lean but dedicated team of young Nigerian creatives, the film thrived on a collaborative spirit. “Working with the right crew members was key. Every person on set brought their talent, energy, and creativity to the table,” Theo-ziny shares with Cheesemonger. From cinematography to production assistance, each department played a vital role in delivering a story rooted in emotional complexity and satirical humor. Casting was also a cornerstone of the film’s success. According to Theo-ziny, the actors were selected for their ability to carry the emotional weight of the story while injecting humor and honesty into their performances. “Every actor brought their character to life with passion and depth,” he notes. The film’s premise is as compelling as its behind-the-scenes story. A Burial for Kulu Yandaki follows a bizarre and poignant journey: “When a restless corpse refuses to stay buried, a broke, drunken father and his wayward son must set aside their hatred and carry her coffin on foot through a chaotic journey to fulfill his wife’s final wish.” This blend of absurdity and depth marks the project as a unique voice in the Nigerian indie scene. For Theo-ziny, the process has underscored a fundamental truth of filmmaking: “Collaboration is everything. You cannot do it alone. When people work together with one heart, magic happens.” As post-production continues, Theo-ziny and his team are focused on polishing the film in preparation for submissions to a selection of top-tier international festivals. “Seeing the footage now makes me truly happy. I can see the love, the effort, the risks, and the result is something I’m very proud of.” With A Burial for Kulu Yandaki, Theo-ziny hopes to step boldly onto the global stage, representing a new wave of Nigerian filmmakers pushing boundaries and telling stories with voice, vision, and heart.