Following its open submissions announcement in June 2024, The Annual Film Mischief has officially unveiled this year’s selections. According to Film Rats founder Chukwu Martin, the festival received over 100 submissions from Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania. Of these, 25 films were selected, showcasing a diverse mix of shorts, feature-length films, and documentaries. The festival continues to align with its theme, “Shoot The Culture Too,” an extension of last year’s focus.
This year’s selection includes four feature-length films, while the remaining works span various genres of short films.
A notable change this year is the absence of a festival director, with the festival opting instead for one managed solely by a festival manager. However, the festival will play host to a film fair/marketplace and will continue to feature its staple networking events, including discussions with filmmakers and film tech experts.
Returning as head juror this year is Ego Boyo, who will be joined by Filmmaker Hatibu Madudu (Tanzania), actress and director Najite Dede (Nigeria), and writer and filmmaker Omoladun Adenuga (Nigeria).
See the full selections and their synopsis below:
KOREDE AZEEZ: With Difficulty Comes Ease
Following her husband’s sudden death, Zainab navigates grief and a precarious pregnancy amidst the challenges of her mourning period. Struggling with financial setbacks and facing scrutiny from her conservative mother-in-law, she finds unexpected support from Rayyan, an empathetic bank officer and fellow convert to Islam. As they bond over shared experiences, Zainab rediscovers her passion for fashion design.
However, when she turns to Ray for housing after her mourning ends, it raises questions that jeopardise her reputation and stability.
DANIEL O. ITEGBOJE: On Your Own
In the harsh and chilling streets of Benin, a group of young boys confront the daunting realities of survival from a tender age, navigating a seemingly unfair world. From sleeping on the dirty streets to moving long distances searching for how to survive, they discover the innate power of unity, forming an unbreakable bond and embracing their newfound identity as “Elema’s – a lineage of homeless people in Benin city. Amid glimmers of hope, they grapple with their profound solitude and unwavering determination, forever intertwined with the pursuit of survival.
CAROLINE REUCKEREGILI : Black Queen of Carnival
Egili Oliveira, 42, is a confident Black Brazilian woman who is still fighting for her place in society while defending her status as a samba queen in Rio de Janeiro’s world-famous Carnaval. Egili is getting ready for the 2022 Carnaval parade in Rio de Janeiro. Alongside her samba school, “Acadêmicos de Vigário Geral”, she takes part in the competition in the Sambadrome arena. Her journey to maintain her place in Carnaval and in society as a Black Brazilian woman is a long and hard road – until the samba dancer transforms into the dazzling Drum Queen, the “Rainha da Bateria”.
OLATUNBOSUN V. ADEBAYO: Alice & Alice
Two friends rediscover their friendship under mysterious circumstances.
THEO-ZINY JOEL : Evil Spirit, Get Out
A mother’s misguided attempts to ‘cast out demons’ in the life of her son because of his rebellious ways, through violent discipline and prayers ironically perpetuate the problems she’s trying to solve
JOHNNY HENDRIX : Kilio Chetu
Almost one in two African women has experienced violence at some point during her life. But perpetrators silence their victims by saying the woman is to blame — or that she provoked the abuse. How can this change?
PRECIOUS IROAGALACHI : Iwaji: A Celebration of the Igbo Culture
Iwa Ji is a compelling story of the Igbo culture through the lens of the new yam festival celebration of the Ohuhu community in Umuahia North, Abia State. This short documentary explores themes of slavery, resilience, gender roles, death, and economy as it captures the dying culture of the Igbo people.
ADESUWA OMONZOKPIA, ADIO SOLANKE : Between Silence & Truth
In the wake of a devastating accident, Daniel and Awele’s crumbling relationship faces a profound test when the tragedy claims their only child’s life and leaves Awele with amnesia, wiping away their painful history. Daniel finds himself torn between hidden grief and a delicate secret.
With their lives at a crossroads, they must confront their past, navigate hidden grief, and discover the true meaning of love and forgiveness.
CHINAZAEKPERE CHUKWU: Tì ẹ ńbọ̀
Feranmi, a 19-year-old boy, struggles to grapple with his feelings for his friend, Tolulope. His father, who does not agree with these changes, goes to extreme lengths to ensure that his son returns to “his” definition of normal.
CHISOM VALERIE IFEAKANDU: The Queen
Her Royal Majesty, The Late Obi Martha Dunkwu was the reigning omu of the Anioma people of Nigeria’s Delta State. An omu, or queen mother, is a leader of women, custodian of the market, a spiritual guide to the community and the traditional ruler – a role that goes back more than 820 years and one that was greatly reduced by colonial rule. This important institution, with its ceremonial practices, comes with its own challenges but remains a significant part of holding communities together.
HOPE ENIAYEKAN: The Bar
A 26-year-old law school graduate is thrown into turmoil after failing the bar exam, forcing him to question the future he thought was set in stone.
MOYOSORE G. AKINSETE: Love,Olaitan
Remilekun’s life is shaped by loss; her mother died during childbirth, and her father, overwhelmed by grief, was largely absent during her childhood.
ABU-BAKR S. ADAMU: Tsoro Da Ruwa( FEAR AND WATER)
Ibrahim navigates through his phobia to sounds made by water. He eventually faced it when he visits the river again with his friends.
JOEWACKLE J. KUSI: Nyame Mma (Children Of God)
Following his father’s sudden death, a young man returns home for the funeral and closure as his father embarks on a magical journey into the afterworld. Nyame Mma explores how lack of space for queer men and male grieving makes their loss very isolating.
CHUDE JIDEONWO: Where is Chijioke?
One woman. Ten years. Her missing Brother.
BLUE ADEKUNLE: Man And Masqerade
Man and Masquerades is an experimental art film that follows the story of Nwankeagu, a young violist and painter who struggles with the trauma of watching his father (a highly respected masquerade) commit suicide.
At the time of the film, Agu meets Gbenro, a popular OAP being secretly abused by his wife. Their unexpected meeting opens old wounds, causing Nwakeagu to confront his own past and start his journey toward healing.
JOHANNES KRUG: Black Savior
Black Savior was co created by writer, creative producer and lead actor Kwaku Ankomah and writer, director Johannes Krug as Johannes’ diploma film at Film Academy Baden-Wuerttemberg. The short serves as a proof of concept testimonial for a series concept.
AUGUSTINE OKOSA: Jude
An old feud between colleagues Resurfaces on a film set.
ORIRE LUCKY NWANI: T’egbon T’aburo (Siblings)
Moji is a grieving mother in her late 50s, who lost her son Yemi in a tragic accident years ago. One night, her estranged sister, Mosunmola, appears at her doorstep seeking forgiveness for her past mistakes.
CHUKWU MARTIN: Oga Mike
Oga Mike follows the story of a mascot performer who struggles and hustles to provide for his family under the harsh economic state of the country.
CHARLES FRANCIS SOLOMON : Dan Bature Kudawa (The Englishman of House Kudu)
Dan Bature Kudawa, loosely translated The Englishman of House Kudu, is a film that captures the immersive and transformative journey of Luke from Merseyside, United Kingdom who embarks on a soul-stirring expedition to Katsina, Nigeria to delve into the ancient martial art of Dambe. We follow Luke as he immerses himself into the culture, rigorous training, rituals and traditions of the colourful, vibrant tapestry of Nigerian traditions surrounding Dambe.
YINUSA A. KOREDE: The Gods Must Be Joking
Nedu’s world takes a different spin after his encounter with a strange dog.
CELESTINA ALEOBUA: Tina When Will You Marry? Canada
As she clocks 30, Tina’s faced with the sudden pressure to get married. By exploring the stories of three unconventional Nigerian-Canadian women, she decides to tune out the society and traditions that try to dictate what life should look like.
ABOLAJI ZEALET RASAQ: Akiti
Two teenage boys skip school to watch an underground fight in an abandoned warehouse, they are pitted against each other by the Chairmo and his gang members.
MOSES IPADEOLA: Ekún Ìyàwó: A Tale of a Runaway Bride
The life and death of an extremely diabolical Balogun will be determined by the bridal tears of his latest Bride at her Ekún Ìyàwó ceremony.
This year, The festival will occur across various vibrant locations:
Lagos – October 10-12 (Viva Cinemas).
Abuja – October 12 (African School of Economics)
Accra – October 9-10 (Silverbird Cinemas)
Dar Es Salaam – October 25 & 26 (Ajabu Ajabu.)
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