Following closely on the heels of A Father’s Love, At Ease marks the sixth entry in a successful run for the First Features slate that is empowering first-time Nigerian directors.
Narratives like this can be necessary, especially for the Nigerian context where conversations around mental health are gaining ground, offering insight into how trauma affects not only the individual but their relationships, daily life, and sense of self, themes also seen in Kill Boro, another First Features title
Directed by Seun Richards and produced by Natives Filmworks and Michelangelo Productions, At Ease will provide insight more specifically into the long-term impact of war on veterans.
Ahead of its release on Prime Video, here’s everything we know so far about this title:
About First Features
The First Features project is a collaborative initiative by Natives Filmworks and MichelAngelo Productions designed to nurture and empower emerging talent in Nollywood. This initiative has helped to provide a platform for new voices in Nigerian cinema, allowing young directors to showcase their storytelling abilities.
It has committed to producing a wide array of films, offering these filmmakers the chance to lead unique projects that span various genres, from drama to thriller, romance, and social commentary. These films not only introduce new talent behind the camera but also in front of it, often blending seasoned Nollywood actors with newcomers.
Earlier releases under the First Features banner include:
- It Blooms in June by Korede Azeez
- Kill Boro by Courage Obayuwana
- Cake by Prosper Edesiri
- Love and Life by Reuben Reng
- A Father’s Love by Sebastian Ukwa
Story
The film will see Agbo, a Major in the Nigerian Army, survive a deadly insurgent bomb attack. While physically recovering, he suffers from severe PTSD, plagued by nightmares and hallucinations, and eventually escalates into him physically harming their child during an episode, leading his wife to leave him. Agbo spirals into depression, attempting suicide leading to an intervention and eventual therapy.
Filming for the project, which took place in Abuja (like most of the First Features films), wrapped earlier in July.
Cast
The film will feature Asa’ah Samuel (This Lady Called Life, Dust) as Major Agbo. This marks a significant milestone in his career, as he steps into his first major lead role. Co-starring alongside him is Anee Icha, known for her roles in Casa De Novia and Before 30.
At Ease also boasts of veterans Rekiya Ibrahim Atta, joined by Emmanuel Odunayo and Eyiyemi Rogbiyin Olivia amongst others.
Crew
Joining Seun Richards in creating this project is Stephanie Dadet (Halita, Covenant) who serves as the writer, with Steve Gukas, Dotun Olakunri, and Ikechukwu Omenaihe as producers. Paul Rowlston provides script consultancy, while Rangwetsane Maphike takes on the role of Director of Photography with Mike Downie.
Catch the riveting tale of a veteran’s recovery journey on Prime Video from October 16.
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