Obayuwana starts First Features movie

Nigerian filmmaker Courage Obayuwana (Widow’s Mite, Bride Untangled) has begun production on Kill Boro, the fourth project in the 12-film initiative entitled First Features.

Obayuwana said the film is now in production in Port Harcourt. First Features was created by Nollywood stars Steve Gukas (93 Days, A Place in The Stars) and Dotun Olakunri,

“First Features empowers Nigeria’s next generation of visionary film directors by providing training, mentorship and funding to bring their dreams to the big screen. With Kill Boro, we’re continuing our mission to uplift emerging filmmakers and take Nollywood to new heights,” said the filmmaker.

The cast includes child actors Kosisochukwu Samuel Ogboruche and Beloved Osagie.

“Through the process of development and writing of Kill Boro, my major worry was always finding the kid actor that would play the role of Elijah. This is because not only is the role massive, but also because this actor will carry the film,” said Gukas.

“And we did struggle; that was until Kosi entered the picture. His quiet confidence earned him the role but whatever talent we saw before casting him was just the tip of the iceberg. Kosi has played the character Elijah like an old pro.

“Beloved is an exceptional talent and she plays Orabere with such ease, you’d think she’s been doing this for decades.”

Obayuwana has worked on numerous short films, including Fejiro, 3am, Prey and The Truth About Lies. Kill Boro marks his debut as a feature film director.

First Features is an initiative from Olakunri’s Michelangelo Productions and Gukas’ Natives Filmworks. Its first three films were Cake (2022), directed by Prosper Edesiri; Love & Life (2023), helmed by Reuben Reng; and the upcoming It Blooms in June, directed by Korede Azeez.