Ella Chikezie, one of the producers of Christmas in Lagos and known for her extensive work creating television spots, is making her film directorial debut with In Her Shoes after being awarded a ₦5 million ($3,000) grant from Tricom Productions. The short film explores autism, child and spousal abuse, and societal expectations in Nigeria.
This project, co-produced with Precious Iroagalachi (AM Irora Iya) was awarded as part of the initiative Using Entertainment Media to Combat Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria.
In Her Shoes follows Halima, a young autistic teenager who secretly finds solace in playing football, despite societal pressures and her family’s struggles. Her mother, constrained by societal expectations, views Halima’s arranged marriage as a solution to their challenges. However, Halima’s father, moved by her fleeting moments of freedom, makes a bold decision that could redefine their family’s future.
Ella Chikezie on winning the Tricom grant, “Directing In Her Shoes is a deeply personal journey for me. Winning the grant has given us the opportunity to tell this impactful story of resilience and hope.”
Away from her associate producing credit in recently released Christmas in Lagos, Chikezie is also known for her efforts in Choke and Tokunbo in the production and location departments respectively.
The collaboration, with support from Tricom Productions, joins the league of Nigerian films such as Stephanie Linus’s Dry (2014), the Wives On Strike Franchise by Omoni Oboli and Biodun Stephen’s The Wildflower that contribute to highlighting issues of child abuse.
Production is set to begin early in 2025, with a release slated for later that year.
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