Music creatives coming into the Nollywood space is a propaganda we will always fall for. These creatives have a knack for creating stunning pictures with an expressive style that fits the quality of production on screen.
The year is 2016. Seun Opabisi, the producer of The Odds, has just created a Google Doc for jotting random ideas that came to him, one of which would later evolve into the film. His collaborator on the document is Kewa Oni, who would go on to be the director of this preconceived idea. Imagine Lagos compressed into one frantic, after‑dark day. That’s the playground for The Odds, a new feature from Kewa Oni and Loup Garou Films.
The film follows Sule, an everyday guy whose world turns upside‑down after a single chance meeting in a nightclub bathroom. Sule’s story is told against Nigeria’s booming sports‑betting scene, where placing a ticket isn’t just fun but a lifeline for people hunting their next break.
The Odds had its first public screening on July 4 at Alliance Française Lagos, held as a paid, one-night-only event. The filmmakers who received a standing ovation after the screening hosted a Q&A panel where they talked about the film, from its ideation in 2018 to 2023, according to Opabisi.
Lending their performances to the dramedy are veteran actors like Osita Iheme, Victor Osuagwu, Hafiz Oyetoro and Ngozi Ezeonu. The rest of the cast lineup include Kelechi Udegbe, Tomiwa Tegbe, Molawa Davis, Ejiro Asagba, Gbemi Akinlade and Folaranmi Oladaye.
Behind the camera, Kewa Oni, the film’s writer and director, spent some time studying at the London Film Academy. Producing with Oni is Seun Opabisi, co-founder of Loup Garou Films (alongside Kewa), a filmmaker and entrepreneur who has been in the creative space since 2008. Opabisi and Oni under the Loup Garou name have worked together on music videos, commercials, films, and television.
The Odds is executive produced by Sean “Famoso” McNicol, co-founder of LVRN Records where he heads the label’s film division, Kids Against Cubicles. Other producers on the project are Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, doubling as the music supervisor and Jamiu Shoyode (The Griot).
The film features an original score by Ré Olunuga (Rise), who was recently invited to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences class of 2025. And London-based Cinematographer Femi Awojide (Juju Stories) is credited on The Odds.
Speaking about distribution at the screening, Opabisi went straight to the point of theatrical release not being the goal at the moment, but plans for a festival run will be made when the time comes. He also noted that a streaming deal is an option they would consider.
Become a patron: To support our in-depth and critical coverage—become a Patron today!
Join the conversation: Share your thoughts in the comments section or on our social media accounts.
Track Upcoming Films: Keep track of upcoming films and TV shows on your Google calendar.
