Fifty years after producing TV drama Iya Wura, directed by Demas Nwoko, New Culture Studios has returned with a new project—though this time, not in the form of a traditional comeback. Instead, the studio describes its latest work as a “gradual reactivation,” a way of reopening itself to artistic collaboration. That project is We Danced & Danced, the new feature film by indie filmmaker Chukwu Martin.
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Shot in April 2024 in Ibadan, We Danced & Danced has been introduced through intimate screenings in Ibadan and Lagos. Since June, these private gatherings have given audiences a chance to experience the film’s intimacy in small, reflective spaces.
The film, written by Martin and playwright-screenwriter Tomi Folowosele, follows two siblings, Zina (Jessica Gabriels Ujah) and Eno (Timilehin Ojeola), who flee their troubled home in search of freedom and belonging. Alongside the leads, the cast includes Ikechukwu Iwebenua, Tega Ethan, Chris Ikechi Anyanya, Kelvin Callistus, Temitope Agoro, Chabod Oyejide, and Ifeoluwa Ogunade, with music performed by The Golden Chorale.
Behind the scenes, the creative team is led by cinematographer Okwong Fadamana (The Fire and The Moth), production designer Tinuola Nwachukwu (Ekun Iyawo: A Tale of a Runaway Bride) and editor-colourist Peter Nwanguma (Landline).
For New Culture Studios, We Danced & Danced is more about reactivating its spirit of cross-disciplinary art.
“What’s happening now isn’t exactly a comeback, it’s more of an opening—an invitation to participate in film production from an independent artist’s perspective.” Executive producer and NCS creative director Rufus Nwoko said in a statement. “Back in the day, NCS embraced every form of art, and now, as opportunities arise, we are slowly reactivating that spirit. We Danced & Danced is the project that made this possible.”
Martin himself has spent years shaping Nigeria’s independent film culture, often describing his films as “rough plays”. He is the founder of the Film Rats Club that birthed The Annual Film Mischief and the Ibadan Indie Film Awards, both of which celebrate experimental and low-budget storytelling. His earlier projects include Altar Boys, Mr Gbenga’s Hard Drive, and We Are Not Men Anymore..
His co-writer, Tomi Folowosele, is a playwright and screenwriter whose work cuts across stage and film. Her credits include the short film Hours Before, which she also starred in, and the drama Sikiru. She has written for MNET series such as Irora Iya and Kadara, as well as Tales of Ramadan, a faith-based web series. More recently, she co-developed the supernatural psychological thriller series Till Death Do Us Part, selected for the Red Sea Series Lab in 2025, and was also behind the short film STAY, which screened as part of Durban’s FilmMart Talents program.
Speaking about why We Danced & Danced became the film to reactivate the studio, Nwoko explained that the story, the director’s vision, and the dedication of the cast and crew came together with such passion and professionalism that they approached the project as if it were their very first blockbuster.
New Culture Studio is a historic creative space in Ibadan, Nigeria, built in the late 1960s by the artist and architect Demas Nwoko. Over the years, the building, famous for its unique design, has served many purposes: an art studio, a performance venue, a teaching space, and even a publishing hub. It became a gathering place for artists, writers, filmmakers, and performers in Ibadan. Today, the studio is being restored and reopened for new events, workshops, and performances.
More screenings are planned in other Nigerian cities, as well as in the UK and Canada. It has also been selected to screen as a Cheese Pick at The Annual Film Mischief 2025, happening October 16-19 in Lagos.
General release date remains unknown.
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