Photos from the World Premiere of "Infant at Heart", the First Nollywood Igbo Psychological Thriller in London
The director and writer, Aguyi IKEOBI Silence.
The world premiere of "Infant at Heart", the first Nollywood Igbo psychological thriller held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the Odeon Greenwich in London, UK. The event attracted many people, including important dignitaries and friends of the director, Aguiyi IKEOBI Silence who also wrote the gripping screenplay. This is his first feature film.
IKEOBI Silence said he made "Infant at Heart" in his mother tongue of Igbo language to make it an original and believable story.
"It is from stories about some Catholic Priests in Eastern Nigeria."
"The movie is an emotional journey that resonates deeply with everyone that has faced loss or confronted the truth by themselves, " said Vera Kanu, the producer.
Starring top Nollywood.stars, Monalisa Chinda Coker, Nkem Owoh and Williams Uchemba, the drama centers on a grieving Justice Ngozi Chimerije dealing with loss, trauma and bipolar disorder when her brother-in-law moves in and a new murder case appears.
The film deals existential realities of loss, truth, resilience, self-confrontation and the consequences of the trauma of adolescent rape.
SYNOPSIS
After the tragic loss of her only child, Justice Ngozi Chimerije is forced to confront buried trauma. But when her brother-in-law moves in to pursue his studies, and a chilling murder case lands on her desk, her grip on reality begins to slip — and her life hangs in the balance.
A production of Afrigold TV Ltd and the Executive Producers are Aguiyi IKEOBI Silence and Dr. Olebara Uzoukwu popularly known for "Dr. Mekam" (2018) and "Black Day" (2018). An award winning actress and filmmaker. She also played the role of Mrs. Gbemisola in the movie.
iROKOtv should have come up with a new brand credibility strategy in view of the competition with Netflix, Showmax and Canal Afrique.
iROKOtv and YouTube have the largest original content of Nigerian drama online and iROKOtv can actually attract more subscribers than the competitors with new branding and marketing strategy.
There are millions of people in Africa and the Diaspora who are going to be the next largest subscribers for the leading streamers for original African content.
Showmax has been attracting more people, because of the unique exciting Nigerian dramas and reality TV shows you can't find on Netflix, iROKOtv and Canal Afrique.
I successfully streamed the first NFT of a Nollywood video on the blockchain of Algorand and I have seen the Big Picture of the Future of streaming Nollywood on the blockchain for which I wanted to launch iNolly in partnership with Breaker in 2019 and still in development.
I can help with the development of such exclusive content.
I have developed a new content for one of the top Nollywood channels on Startimes and I have another new one for an exciting Nollywood reality TV series that will attract millions of viewers. Nothing like it from Nollywood.
I don't want it on YouTube to avoid the piracy.
- by Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima, The Publisher/Editor, NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series, The first book series on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry.
Thanks
9jaStudio’s Unilife: Where Secrets, Love and Danger Collide.
Click on the poster and url link to watch the exciting romantic comedy.
Nigerian Thriller, " The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos" Selected for 2024 Berlinale Spotlight: World Cinema Fund at “Around the World in 14 Films".
"From Nigeria's mega-metropolis Lagos comes The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos, which celebrated its world premiere in Toronto. The film by the seven-member Agbajowo Collective moves between thriller and magical realism. The story was inspired by the forced evictions and destruction of the fishing community of Otodo Gbame in 2017."
Read more on https://www.berlinale.de/en/2025/news-press-releases/257730.html
"UNFORGIVABLE", Selected Film for Women Against Rape (WAR)
Campaign for the 16 Days of Action Against Gender Based Violence rrom November 25th, the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women to December 10th, Human Rights Day.
Selected Film:
"UNFORGIVABLE", Nollywood romantic drama directed by Osezuah Elimihe is currently streaming on
the nuances of Igbo Narrative Drama in Nollywood. Because the studies are important, relevant and significant in Nigerian Cinema, contemporary art of Igbo culture and history and African studies for both academic scholarship and public knowledge.
There is a study on "THE NUANCED FEMINISM IN GENEVIEVE NNAJI'S LIONHEART" by Uche Omar.
I have viewed the trailer of a new Nigerian drama in Igbo language with some dialogue in English sent to me from the UK.
From the intriguing and thrilling scenarios, I can tell that this would be one of the must see movies of the year in Nigeria.
A Chief Judge fails to mature from her experiences at a Covent as a murder case threatens to eclipse her.
I can see the genius of the director in the clips in the trailer.
The casting, acting by the accomplished actors, including the current most popular Nollywood actor at the cinemas in West Africa; the cinematography; sound; costume and makeup are impressive in the storytelling in motion picture comparable to the best dramas by accomplished filmmakers in the world.
I have been calling for Nigerian drama as good as the best Korean drama, English drama, American drama and Indian drama.
This Igbo drama most likely would be what I can call, "This is it!"
I have deliberately decided not to mention the names of the principal actors. The hint of the current most popular Nollywood actor in West Africa is enough for anyone who truly knows this outstanding actor of international repute.
This should be the best Igbo drama since Genevieve Nnaji's "Lionheart" released in 2018.
This one will attract more people in Nigeria and other countries, because crime thrillers pull more crowds to the cinemas and attract more viewers on TV and streaming channels, especially psychological drama with romance and intriguing characters.
The trailer is not yet available for public viewing.
- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
Publisher/Editor,
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series,
The first book series on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry.
A breathtaking masterpiece of storytelling in motion picture.
"Breath of Life" is a period drama set in Ibadan in the 1950s. It is about "Timi", a gifted clergyman who turns into an "old lonely curmudgeon when his family is tragically taken from him. Until Elijah, a humble man with big dreams of becoming a priest, comes into his life. Through Elijah, Timi not only learns to live again, but also realizes purpose for all his gifts and wealth."
The Oscar performance of Wale Ojo as "Timi" has proven that he is indeed more than an actor of actors, but also an auteur of genius in his excellent interpretation of one of the greatest portraits of unique and unforgettable characters in Nigerian drama.
No other actor in Nollywood would have been able to play a better challenging role of such an iconic character of "Timi" as Wale Ojo did exceptionally well.
He is among the best actors in the world in the same class with Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman and Anthony Hopkins of Hollywood for his mastery of being absorbed in the personality of every character he has played the leading role in different movies. This is a rare accomplishment among actors in Nigeria, because only few of them have such command in characterization and intellectual depth.
Overall, in concise and precise analysis, the "Breath of Life" is a breathtaking cinematic drama of intellectual and spiritual insights on the triumph of faith, love and the human spirit in the conquest of the existential realities of life in the world. The survival, triumph and victory of the human spirit in the vicissitudes of the trials of life.
The director, producer, cinematographer, screenwriter, composer of the soundtracks and production designer have made a film that will become one of the timeless classics of filmmaking in Nigeria. "Breath of Life" is more than the typical Nollywood movie. It is a beautiful story in motion picture that will resonate with people in different societies in the world, because it is a universal journey of discovery of the true essence of human existence on Earth.
It would be more appreciated dubbed in other languages for the rest of the world to share in the beauty of this drama of the worth of every breath of life.
"Breath of Life" is one of the best films of the year and the kind of Nigerian film that should have been in the Official Selection of the annual Cannes Film Festival in competition for the Palme d'Or.
Principal cast:
Wale Ojo, Bimbo Manuel, Sam Dede, Tina Mba, Sambasa Nzeribe, Genoveva Umeh, Chimezie Imo, Demola Adedoyin, Melly Atari and others.
Produced by
Eku Edewor and Aderinola Adeyokunnu.
Written and directed by BB Sasore, Ola Cardoso is the Director of Photography and Kelechi Odu is the Creative Director.
A must on the watchlist of everyone who loves great movies.
- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
Publisher/Editor,
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series,
The first book series on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry since 2013, printed in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America and distributed by Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers in paperback, hardcopy and Amazon Kindle.
Announcing the Opening Film: ORAH Opens AFRIFF 2023🎥
AFRIFF to open 12th Edition with Lonzo Nzekwe’s Powerful Crime Thriller ORAH in keeping with the Festival’s Theme on “Indigenous 2.0 Global
October 26, 2023
The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) has announced its 12th edition, happening from the 5th to the 11th of 2023, in Lagos, Nigeria. In keeping with the festival's tradition, AFRIFF’s Founder and Festival Director, Chioma Ude, has announced the film ORAH as its opening night movie, a bold step to drive home its theme for the 2023 edition of Indigenous 2.0 Global before the participating Nigerian and international movie enthusiasts who will grace the festival’s annual opening gala night.
ORAH is written and directed by acclaimed Nigerian/Canadian filmmaker Lonzo Nzekwe (Anchor Baby). Produced by Nzekwe, Floyd Kane (Diggstown), and Amos Adetuyi (The Boathouse), the film was shot in Canada and the Federal Republic of Nigeria in late 2022. Speaking in anticipation of the Festival, Chioma Ude said,
“Filmmaking is evolving rapidly in Africa, with Nigeria at the forefront of the renaissance, and this year’s edition is designed to continue to reiterate the opportunities for African films and storytelling to reflect ‘global’ perspectives for the sustained success of more local films globally. We intend to continue to empower our storytellers to explore ideologies and techniques that connect with a larger global audience. ORAH is positioned as the open-night movie to drive this expectation.”
A character-driven crime thriller, Orah showcases the story of a female taxi driver in Toronto embarking on a revenge tour to avenge the death of her son, who is brutally murdered by a high-profile Nigerian criminal in a drug trafficking operation. Starring Oyin Oladejo as Orah Madukaku (Star Trek: Discovery), additional cast members include Lucky Onyekachi Ejim (Kim’s Convenience) as Bami Hazar; Agape Mngomezulu as Tariq Hazar (The Parker Andersons); Morgan Bedard (Hard Rock Medical) as Eli Pope; Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama (Titans) as Lace; Oris Erhuero (We Were Once) as Agent Garuba; O.C. Ukeje (Brotherhood) as Agent Uche Odi; Femi Lawson (Because We Are) as Jimoh Sholola; and Christopher Seivright (Take Note) as Vincent Bailey.
Developed over the course of 11 years, director and screenwriter Lonzo Nzekwe was “very grateful to finally begin shooting with the talented cast and crew assembled and honoured to be able to shoot part of the film in Nigeria, which plays such a key role,” he shared during principal photography. In Nzekwe’s words, I set out to create a tragically gripping and gratifying crime thriller with a gritty look that gives the audience a visceral, authentic experience of the life of our hero and her journey to avenge the death of her son. The exceptional talent of the actors cast in each role truly brings the story to life.
Not only does the script offer a strong and smart female role model in the lead role, but the supporting characters are well-rounded with traits of real, everyday people drawn from diverse ethnic backgrounds and walks of life. I hope that ORAH’s themes of justice versus revenge, redemption, freedom, corruption, and family separation will have a lasting impact on its viewers and inspire them in a positive way. As a Nigerian-born Canadian filmmaker, I felt I was uniquely qualified to tell this story of an illegal immigrant who was smuggled into Canada and sold into sex trafficking at age 15 by her uncle.
ORAH is produced by Circle Blue Entertainment and Freddie Films in association with IronFlix Inc., with the participation of Telefilm Canada, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), and ONCreates Film Fund. Level Film is the Canadian distributor.
Signed
Latasha Ngwube
Director PR & Media
for AFRIFF 2023
ABOUT AFRIFF
The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) is an international film showcase in Nigeria’s biggest city, Lagos. It presents a complete immersion into the world of filmmaking with participation from all over Africa and the Diaspora. Founded in 2010 by Ms Chioma Ude, an ardent film lover and entrepreneur, the festival is positioned to be the biggest annual appointment for African filmmakers in the region, celebrating the best African films and stories.
Our programming is themed around African films, filmmakers and African cinematic impulses making the rounds in the international film circuit in categories such as feature, shorts, student shorts, documentary and animation.
Shaka Ilembe is the Best, Biggest and Greatest African Epic Historical Drama Series
"Shaka Ilembe"is the best, biggest and greatest African epic historical drama series so far in the history of filmmaking and TV productions in Africa and one of the best epic drama series in the world.
In the content and context of the subject in production, and casting, directing, production design, set design, costume design and cinematography with naturalistic characters and realistic scenarios of the historical events, you can see the evidence of the professional excellence, experience and expertise of the producers. The series have been exciting and thrilling to watch on DStv.
The Directors, Academy Award-nominee Angus Gibson (Mandela) and Teboho Mahlatsi are geniuses with Desiree Markgraaff, the EP.
The movie set will be good for international art and architecture exhibition at the BIENNALE ARTE 2024 of the 60th International Art Exhibition that will take place from Saturday 20 April to Sunday 24 November, 2024 in Venice, Italy.
Set in the 1700s, "Shaka iLembe" tells the story of the making of the iconic African king, with iterations from his early childhood through to adulthood.
The awesome King of Zulus, Shaka kaSenzangakhona (c. 1787 – 22 September 1828) has inspired writers and producers and was the inspiration for my own short story in 2020, "Shaka The Great: The Rise and Fall of the Greatest African King" https://nigeriansreportng.blogspot.com/2020/09/shaka-great-rise-and-fall-of-greatest.html
"Shaka Ilembe" should be a must watch for every filmmaker, storyteller and other creatives in Africa, especially in Nollywood and Kannywood of the Nigerian film industry.
As I have always emphasized that South Africa has the best and biggest film industry in Africa. What makes a film industry is more than the mass production of movies in thousands annually, but includes having film and TV markets, film commissions and movie merchandise as shown in the awesome production of "Shaka Ilembe" that is worth more than US$2 billion in the market valuations of the film tourism boosting the hospitality industry of South Africa and the movie merchandise of the fashion designs and accessories of the rich culture and lifestyles of Zulu people. A celebration of the culture of the haute couture and architecture Zulu Kingdom.
I will really love to visit the movie set.
"Shaka Ilembe' is a case study for sociocultural, socioeconomic and sociopolitical studies and anthropology of South Africa in African Studies and the history of filmmaking in Africa.
Producer: Multichoice Studios of the MultiChoice Group.
See more details on https://www.dstv.com/mzansimagic/en-ng/show/shaka-ilembe/season/1
- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima, Publisher/Editor, NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series
Without Remorse (also known as Tom Clancy's Without Remorse) is a 2021 American action thriller film based on the 1993 novel of the same name by Tom Clancy. It is directed by Stefano Sollima and written by Taylor Sheridan and Will Staples, and stars Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Bell, Jodie Turner-Smith, Luke Mitchell, Jack Kesy, Brett Gelman, Lauren London, Colman Domingo and Guy Pearce. The plot follows John Kelly, a U.S. Navy SEAL who sets out on a path of revenge after his pregnant wife and unit members are killed by Russian hitmen.
Queens of Kannywood, Rahama Sadau and Maryam Booth Entangled in "The Two Aishas" Movie
Last Sunday, I was at the cinemas to watch "The Two Aishas" starring the two leading ladies and beauty queens of #Kannywood, Rahama Sadau and Maryam Booth .
This is my first time of seeing them together in a movie.
This is the directorial debut of Hajia Shareefah Abiola Andu of Arabel Productions and Aleef TV of Arabel Nigeria Limited.
After a bitter fallout with her best friend when her husband was handed the gubernatorial ticket which was taken from her best friend’s husband, Aisha Yusuf must reconcile with her best friend and unite their husbands who are now at loggerheads.
According to director, the movie is filled with intrigues that will keep fans glued to the box office screen till the end.
‘The Two Aishas’ are women of the same Islamic faith and status who are married to two best friends. But their loyalty and friendship got tested and no matter how they looked at it, one party felt robbed and betrayed by the other, threatening to tear apart an enduring friendship from childhood and test their faith as devout Muslims.
“It addresses relatable themes such as forgiveness, betrayal, love, rivalry and piousness,” she said.
"The Two Aishas" is showing daily at all the FilmHouse Cinemas in Nigeria and Ghana, Silverbird Cinemas, Genesis Cinemas, Ozone Cinemas, Blue Pictures Cinemas, Kada Cinemas, Platinum Cinemas, Exodus Cinemas, Magnificent Cinemas and other cinemas in every state in Nigeria.
A Musical Stage Play that is sure to captivate audiences with its unique perspective on the passion of JESUS Christ.
This play is told from the point of view of Claudia, the only woman who spoke up for Jesus Christ. Through her eyes, we gain new insights and a deeper appreciation for the events that transpired. The Witness is not only a powerful story but also a musical play that promises to delight audiences with its moving performances and catchy tunes.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project has been the opportunity to work with less privileged children who have a passion for theater. We have partnered with professionals who are training them and giving them exposure to the creative world. By supporting this production, you will not only be helping us to share this beautiful story with the world, but also helping to provide opportunities for these talented children.
In order to bring this production to life, we need financial support. We would be incredibly grateful for any contribution you can make to help us reach our fundraising goals. Additionally, we would be honored if you, your family members, and friends could attend one of our performances at Terra Kulture on either;
Friday, March 31, 2023 and Saturday, April 1, 2023. SHOW TIME: 3:00pm and 7:00pm each day.
Your presence would be greatly appreciated and would help to make this project a success.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We believe that The Witness has the power to make a real impact, and we hope that you will join us in bringing this important story to life.
Call Rosemary on Tel: 0802 312 4308 or Francis on Tel: 0816 979 5827 for seat reservation.
Regular Seat - N10,000.
VIP Seat - N20,000.
VVIP Seat - N40,000.
Payment should be made to:
ORNAMENTS PRODUCTION LIMITED (FIDELITY BANK PLC)
ACCOUNT NO - 5610079924
Or on https://paystack.shop/the-witness-a-musical-stage-play
Too Much Noise in Many Hollywood Movies; Nollywood Should Not Copy Hollywood
There are noisy sound tracks in many Hollywood movies, especially the action film adaptations of comic books and other action movies.
For example, there was more noise than sense in "Catwoman" 2004 film.
The discordant noisy soundtracks
often make the movies to look like cover-ups for bad directing and storytelling.
Sound is important in storytelling. But not noise.
When music is too loud, it becomes noise.
There are also anachronisms in the soundtracks of several of the movies. Having rock music in an historical movie on the Roman Empire and ancient kingdoms is not different from showing the emperor wearing a Rolex in 2000 BC.
Soundtracks should be in accordance with the period as the costumes and the sets in the production design.
Soundtracks for fighting scenes don't need to be noisy.
You don't need noisy soundtracks for an action or adventure movie to be exciting and thrilling.
Viewers should not have headaches watching movies.
Nollywood is now copying Hollywood by making parodies of American action movies and comedies.
They have made their own "Gangs of Lagos" like the "Gangs of New York".
What's next? "Pirates of the Niger Delta" like "Pirates of the Caribbean"?
The most annoying are shallow parodies of the "Real Housewives of Hollywood" and "Real Housewives of Atlanta" with their own "Real Housewives of Abuja", "Real Housewives of Lagos" and other copycats' versions with women wearing costumes copied from the annual MET Gala or Hollywood red carpets.
Nothing beats originality in creativity.
There are many untold original Nigerian stories waiting to be told in movies and documentaries and not copying Hollywood or Telemundo.
I am still waiting for a great film on the Biafran war.
The film adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's historical novel, "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Biyi Bandele in 2013 told half of the story of one of the bloodiest civil wars in Africa. There are still untold stories of the war that will be awesome movies.
Here I am role playing in rehearsal for a dare devil character for a crime drama.
I used my cellphone to record it yesterday, Wednesday February 2, 2023.
I am still looking years younger than my age mates after celebrating my Diamond birthday on Monday, January 30. Psalm 103:5 is my testimony. Almighty God truly renews my youth like the eagle's to fly to higher grounds of greater heights of triumph.
As we look forward to the Valentine's Day on February 14, I am going to recommend top 20 movies of romantic comedy and drama to watch online.
1. Falling in Love Again
Ricky and Tara are a recently divorced couple navigating the challenges of co-parenting their young son while recovering from the wounds of their failed relationship. But after moving on to new partners, they soon find the grass isn't quite greener and they might just want that old thing back. Will they take a second shot at love?
Dan Garcia
Director, Writer
Mike Mayhall
Director
Kyanna Mai-Lee Bosworth
(American Crime Story, Terrell Carter (Empire), Micelle J.
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