Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
Nigerian cinema just leveled up on the global stage in a major way. Director Damilola Orimogunje’s period drama Dear Ajayi has become the first Nigerian film ever selected for competition at Venice Giornate degli Autori (Venice Days), and it didn’t just show up—it swept the competition. The film claimed two prestigious awards at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival: the Bisato d’Oro Award for Best Cast & Performances and the CICT-UNESCO Enrico Fulchignoni Prize, also known as the Fellini Medal. This is the kind of international recognition that puts Nigerian storytelling exactly where it belongs: center stage.
The Venice jury didn’t hold back in their praise, calling the film “a work of great human depth” that showcases “the creative moment of Nigerian cinema, now ripe for the international limelight.” Set in 1990s southwestern Nigeria, Dear Ajayi tells the powerful story of two estranged sisters—Ade (Bimbo Akintola) and Titi (Tosin Adeyemi)—forced to reunite under their family roof to care for their paralyzed mother. Ade is a deeply religious woman carrying the weight of family responsibility, while Titi is an ambitious aspiring singer who refuses to conform to tradition. Their clash of values, dreams, and old wounds creates a raw exploration of sisterhood, sacrifice, and survival that clearly resonated with international audiences.
Orimogunje, who directed, wrote, and produced the film under his 2o9ine Films banner, expressed deep gratitude to his team: “To our cast and crew, this belongs to you. Thank you to everyone who gave something of themselves to bring this story to life… We can’t wait for more people around the world to meet these characters.” The film features an all-star Nigerian ensemble including veterans Lanre Hassan (Mama Awero), William Benson, Antar Laniyan, and rising talents like Uzoamaka Power, with a captivating score by Re Olunuga. Nigerian audiences got an exclusive early preview starting September 18, with the nationwide theatrical release set for November 13 via FilmOne Entertainment.
This Venice triumph is more than just awards—it’s confirmation that Nigerian stories, told with authenticity and artistry, command global respect and attention.
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