Tag Archives: GDN Studios

Eyimofe wins at Belgian festival

Eyimofe (This is My Desire) was directed by brothers Arie and Chuko Esiri

Nigerian feature film Eyimofe, which was recently selected for this year’s MOOOV Film Festival in Belgium, has won the University of Antwerp Award at the ongoing event.

GDN Studios, the Nigerian production company behind the film, announced the win on Instagram.

In a statement accompanying the award for the film, directed by brothers Arie and Chuko Esiri, the organisers of the festival wrote: “In Eyimofe we are convincingl,y taken to the outskirts of Lagos in Nigeria. The filmmakers tell two stories, that of Mofe and Rosa, two individuals who want to emigrate and are looking for a better life.

“The theme of the story has a universal meaning and is easily recognisable for everyone, but the Esiri brothers have managed to portray that story in their own way within the context of their home country.”

The MOOOV Film Festival is taking place digitally and will conclude on May 3.

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Eyimofe selected for New York ND/NF fest

Eyimofe (This is My Desire) was directed by brothers Arie and Chuko Esiri

Nigerian feature film Eyimofe (This is My Desire) has been selected for the 50th anniversary edition of the New Directors/New Films festival in New York.

The festival will take place virtually from April 28 to May 8 and celebrates filmmakers who represent the present and anticipate the future of cinema.

Eyimofe was made by GDN Studios, directed by twin brothers Arie and Chuko Esiri and produced by Melissa Adeyemo. It follows a factory technician, played by Jude Akuwudike, and a hairdresser (Temi Ami-Williams) on their quest for what they believe will be a better life abroad.

Guardian Nigeria recently reported that Eyimofe is among 27 features and 11 shorts shown to audiences in the MoMA and FLC virtual cinemas and to New Yorkers at the Film at Lincoln Center. Eyimofe also won the New Directors Jury Prize at the San Francisco Film Festival (SFFILM).

In a statement to Guardian Nigeria, the SFFILM jury noted: “This was a quick and unanimous decision for our jury. We agreed that from the very first shot we knew this was a very special film. We couldn’t believe this was a debut feature, given the maturity of its patient style, its gorgeous cinematography, the uniform strength of its performances.

“We found Eyimofe a deeply moving, richly textured portrait of life in Lagos, Nigeria, and hope this prize gives the film a greater chance to be seen by audiences around the world. Congratulations to Arie Esiri and Chuko Esiri, and thank you for sharing this film with us and the world.”

Eyimofe premiered recently in Lagos and is set for general cinema release from April 23.

Since its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival last year, Eyimofe has been selected for events including Indie Lisboa International Film Festival in Portugal, BFI London Film Festival in the UK and Mostra Sao Paolo International Film Festival in Brazil.

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Nigerian film selected for Belgian festival

Eyimofe comes from Arie and Chuko Esiri

Nigerian feature film Eyimofe has been selected for this year’s MOOOV Film Festival in Belgium.

Directed by twin brothers Arie and Chuko Esiri, Eyimofe tells the stories of two strangers living in Africa’s largest city, Lagos, who share the dream of building a new life in the West.

GDN Studios, the production company behind the film, announced the news on Instagram, wrtiting: “While plans have reached an advanced stage for its Nigerian cinematic release next month, the award-winning Nigerian feature film Eyimofe (This is My Desire), has continued its international festival run with a selection for this year’s MOOOV Film Festival in Belgium.

“Eyimofe’s selection for this year’s MOOOV is coming barely a week after the film was selected for the Borderlines Film Festival in the United Kingdom.”

The film’s cast includes Jude Akuwudike, Temi Ami-Williams, Cynthia Ebijie, Tomiwa Edun, Jacob Alexander and Chioma ‘Chigul’ Omeruah. It was fully financed within Nigeria.

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