Two short films, 'Her Perfect Life' and 'Iyawo Mi', will mark the first titles on the Mo Abudu Films slate.
Nigerian media mogul Mo Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife Media, has launched a new label, Mo Abudu Films, and directed two short films, Iyawo Mi and Her Perfect Life.
Both films address mental health issues from a Nigerian perspective, a subject which is considered a taboo topic in the country and throughout Africa.
Mo Abudu Films aims to broaden the spectrum of Nigerian cinema by making more personal and intimate films that champion the voices and perspectives of underrepresented communities.
Both films have been invited to screen at the 21st Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival in August and will showcase at the Cannes Short Film Corner later this month.
Iyawo Mi tells the story of Kunle, a young married man who lives in impoverished downtown Lagos. He returns home one evening to find his wife Eniola appears to be hallucinating, and the film explores the tragic consequences that ensue.
Her Perfect Life portrays the story of a woman, Onajite Johnson Ibrahim, who is envied by everyone in Lagos but wants to end it all.
Speaking about the films, Abudu said: “It is my fervent belief that true artistic expression demands absolute freedom, and it is with great pleasure that I have taken the leap of faith to direct my first two short films with the launch of Mo Abudu Films.”
She added: “I am thrilled and honoured to have both of my short films selected to screen at the prestigious Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, an important festival for Black film and Black perspective. This recognition means a lot to me as a filmmaker and as a storyteller. The Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival is a platform that amplifies the voices and perspectives of Black filmmakers, and I am grateful for the opportunity to feature my work there.”
