Nigerian filmmaker James Abinibi’s latest directorial effort, “Life and Dirt,” has achieved remarkable success on Amazon Prime. The series has quickly risen to the top of the charts in Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon. Within a week of its debut, it became a must-watch on the streaming platform.

The five-episode series has captivated audiences across the continent with its thrilling narrative. It skillfully blends humour, drama, and the complexities of life. The show’s gripping and emotionally charged storyline has resonated strongly with viewers.

“Life and Dirt” follows the intense journey of Yoshua, a young Nigerian driven by ambition. His pursuit of quick wealth leads him down a dangerous path. The five adrenaline-pumping episodes take viewers on a wild ride through Lagos. Here, Yoshua’s wit and resolve are put to the test. He becomes entangled in a life-threatening race, fighting to survive while protecting his secrets.

The series’ rapid climb to the top of Amazon Prime charts in three countries underscores its widespread appeal. Moreover, it highlights the show’s significant impact on audiences.

Behind this hit production are two powerhouses of Nigerian entertainment. First, James Abinibi is known for his creative storytelling and nuanced character portrayals. He both produced and directed the series. Secondly, Nigerian comedian Bovi Ugbomma played a crucial role. Ugbomma served as the writer, executive producer, and co-director. Additionally, he took on the lead role in the project.

Bovi’s strong character and comedic touch bring a unique flair to the production. His involvement strikes a delicate balance between dramatic intensity and lighthearted moments. Despite this, the emotional depth of Yoshua’s journey remains intact.

The cast of “Life and Dirt” is equally impressive. It features talented actors such as Uzor Arukwe, Shaffy Bello, Idia Aisien, and Ric Hassani. The ensemble also includes Dorcas Shola Fapson (Ms DSF), Kanayo O. Kanayo, and Jide Kosoko. This stellar lineup adds to the series’ appeal and credibility.

As viewers eagerly anticipate the next chapter in Yoshua’s journey, excitement builds for the second season. Meanwhile, Abinibi is not resting on his laurels. He is set to launch another project titled “Miss PJ,” also scheduled for release on Amazon Prime Video.

 

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“Miss PJ” promises to be equally intriguing. It tells the story of Patience Jideofor, a female National Youth Service Corps member. Patience arrives in the local town of Otitodun for her primary assignment. However, unexpected events in Otitodun set her on a path filled with surprises, mysteries, and shocking revelations.

This new project is described as a thriller that quickly shifts gears. It transitions from a bright and lively tone to one of mystery and uncertainty. This sudden change in atmosphere is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

With these successful and upcoming projects, Abinibi is cementing his place in the Nigerian film industry. His work is not only entertaining local audiences but also gaining international recognition. As a result, he is helping to put Nigerian content on the global map.

Biennale College Cinema in Venice has announced the Kenyan-Nigerian project, “1 Woman 1 Bra“. The director-producer duo, Vincho Nchogu and Josh Olaoluwa worked on the project. It is the only African project selected for the 13th edition of the festival. This marks a significant achievement for African cinema on the global stage.

“1 Woman 1 Bra” is among 12 projects chosen for the 2024/25 Biennale College Cinema.

These projects were unveiled during the 81st Venice International Film Festival. The teams, consisting of a director and a producer, will participate in an initial 10-day workshop in Venice. This workshop will take place from October 8 to 17, 2024.

Nchogu, the Kenyan director, and Olaoluwa, the Nigerian producer, will present their first feature film project at the workshop. Afterwards, four of the 12 projects will be selected to receive up to 200,000 Euros in production funding.

Furthermore, these four films will premiere at the 82nd Venice Film Festival in 2025. This opportunity is another milestone for Nchogu and Olaoluwa. Consequently, they have previously participated in the Red Sea Lodge and Torino Film Lab.

The Biennale College Cinema is an advanced training lab that opens doors for filmmakers worldwide. It provides a platform for emerging voices in cinema and offers valuable resources to bring creative visions to life.

Nine of the twelve projects were selected from the Biennale College Cinema – International competition. Meanwhile, the remaining three came from the Biennale College Cinema – Italy competition.

In addition to “1 Woman 1 Bra”, other notable projects include “Agnus Dei” by Massimiliano Camaiti, a second-time feature director, and producer Giovanna Nicolai. Another selected project, “Badland”, comes from first-time feature director Mounir Derbal and producer Lorenzo Fiuzzi. “Becoming Human” by director Polen Ly and producer Daniel Mattes also made the list.

Further selections include “Last Time, Again” by Chinese director Di Zhang and Canadian producer Beryl Liu, “Orange Peel” by Italian director Anita Rivaroli and producer Marco Mingolla, and “Saving The Day” by Turkish director Serhat Karaaslan and French producer Laura Dahout.

Indian director Nidhi Saxena and producer Vimukthi Jayasundara’s “Secret Of A Mountain Serpent” was also selected, along with “Summer 1999” by Vietnamese director Hang Luong Nguyen and producer Dinh Le Minh Trinh.

Other featured projects include “The Booking” by American director Gabriella Moses and producer Sarah Wharton, “The Family” by Ukrainian director Hanna Jalali and Iranian producer Moeinoddin Jalali, and “Vanishing Bones” by French director Simon Rieth and producer Inès Daïen Dasi.