From the stable of Oza Media and Grand Redemption Pictures, come two insightful films from two visionary filmmakers, Faustina Okomayin and Samuel O. Olateru.
These latest Okomayin's "Ralia's Secret" and Olateru's "The Tragic Split" explore deep human themes. In specific terms, the films explore themes of family, identity, love, and mental health, offering fresh perspectives on pressing societal issues.
Okomayin and Olateru are both recipients of the British Council Film Lab Africa Grant, a prestigious initiative aimed at nurturing and empowering emerging African filmmakers. The programme offers crucial funding, mentorship, and training opportunities, allowing filmmakers to bring their unique visions to life while showcasing Africa's rich cultural narratives.
Ralia's Secret, which was directed and produced by Faustina Okomayin, delves into the sensitive subject of paternity fraud within the context of an unexpected reunion. The film follows Ali, a dispatch rider tasked with delivering a surprise package for a client, only to cross paths with Ralia, a former love interest and the housekeeper at the client's residence. As buried emotions resurface, Ali confronts Ralia about the fate of their long-lost daughter, revealing secrets that threaten to upend lives.
"Creating Ralia's secret was a transformative and immersive experience for me, because I chose to explore the topic of paternity fraud in the most unlikely circumstance through the different perspectives of the characters in the stories," says Faustina Okomayin.
Ralia's Secret features Michael Ejoor as Ali, Jennifer Osammor as Ralia, Kuchi Chris as Kendra Salami, and industry veterans Gloria Young and Norbert Young as Mrs. and Mr. Salami. The film's production team include Joseph Oladunjoye (Director of Photography), Yemi Jolaoso (Post-Production Head), and Esther Okoeguale (Line Producer)
"Creating Ralia's secret was a transformative and immersive experience for me, because I chose to explore the topic of paternity fraud in the most unlikely circumstance through the different perspectives of the characters in the stories," says Faustina Okomayin.
Ralia's Secret features Michael Ejoor as Ali, Jennifer Osammor as Ralia, Kuchi Chris as Kendra Salami, and industry veterans Gloria Young and Norbert Young as Mrs. and Mr. Salami. The film's production team includes Joseph Oladunjoye (Director of Photography), Yemi Jolaoso (Post-Production Head), and Esther Okoeguale (Line Producer).
In The Tragic Split, Samuel O. Olateru, tells a gripping story of fractured identity, love, and Psychological turmoil. The film centres on Segun, a man battling split personality disorder, and his struggle to balance his love for Delilah with the destructive tendencies of his alter ego, Frank.
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As jealousy and paranoia drive Segun to a tragic confrontation, the film unfolds as a poignant reflection on the thin line between love and obsession.
"There is a fight in every man, and there is a winner and a loser. In The Tragic Split, I wanted to showcase that inner struggle in its most extreme form. Frank and Segun's experience is exaggerated to tell what men go through, as we all have been a little bit of Frank and a little bit of Segun at some point," says Samuel O. Olateru.
The Tragic Split stars Kehinde Hannah Alagbe as Delilah and Patrick Dante Oke as Frank/Segun. The production team includes Akanji Bankole (Director of Photography), Ebenezer Ezekiel (Sound Specialist), and Owolabi (Gaffer/Technical Director).
Film Lab Africa, a pioneering accelerator programme initiated by the British Council, dedicated to empowering budding filmmakers and TV producers in Nigeria, offers a robust framework of support, encompassing skill development, knowledge enrichment, and networking opportunities.
Film Lab Africa equips participants with the essential tools to thrive in the dynamic world of film and television.
The three-year programme has already yielded impressive results, with the recent unveiling of ten exceptional short films that showcase the vibrant talent and diverse narratives of Nigeria's emerging filmmakers. Through rigorous training, funding, and mentorship, Film.lab Africa is not only shaping the future of Nigerian cinema but also positioning the country as a global powerhouse of creativity
