Two Oscar-eligible short films push the boundaries of African cinema – The Hollywood Reporter

“Eao mi” (my wife)

Mo Abudu movies

in Her perfect lifeOnajette Johnson Ibrahim (played by Pearl Thusi) seems to have it all. She’s a 39-year-old businesswoman with the perfect Instagram profile – a great career, a loving husband (played by Ahmed Ibrahim), and two smart, beautiful children – but Onagate is secretly suffering from depression. She is contemplating suicide.

Oh mi (My Wife) follows the story of Eniola (Latif Adimeji). Economically, she is at the other end of the scale on Onagite, living in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Lagos. Her husband, Kunle (Segun Arinze), works as a driver. One night, he returns home to find his wife in a state of madness, hallucinating, screaming at their children and threatening to kill them. With little understanding of mental illness and no access to a support system, he decided to take matters into his own hands, with tragic results.

These are two stories of a woman on the edge.

Both films, directed by Nigerian producer and media mogul Mo Abudu in her directorial debut, have qualified for the Oscars after generating interest on the festival circuit. It debuted at Cannes Short Film Corner and screened at the Toronto Film Festival, Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, HollyShorts Film Festival, and Rhode Island Film Festival.

Besides their dramatic appeal, Her perfect life And Iao mi (my wife) He broke new ground for African cinema in its exploration of mental health, especially among women, and explored issues rarely discussed in the media or in popular culture.

“Over the years, I have strived to elevate African stories and amplify voices that deserve to be heard on the global stage,” Abudu says. “African storytelling is not just limited to our borders; it is a universal language, attuned to the human experience around the world. Her perfect life And Oh mi They are born from a fundamental need to explore social nuances, to peel back the layers of our existence. These stories, set against the vibrant fabric of Lagos, delve into the complex emotions and intricacies of human relationships. Through these short films, I witnessed the tremendous power of narrative in building bridges between cultures. They have graced prestigious platforms, not only for accolades but for sparking conversations, challenging perceptions and offering a glimpse into narratives that are often overlooked.

Abudu is already an established media mogul in Africa and beyond. This year, it topped Hollywood ReporterAnnual list of the most powerful women in global entertainment. Her company, EbonyLife Media, is one of the largest and most important production companies on the continent, producing Nigerian box office hits such as fifty And weddingAnd the Netflix series Blood sisters. Upcoming projects include a political drama series War: anger and revenge And Òlòtūréabout a courageous investigative journalist, for Netflix and several films and series in development in partnership with Idris Elba’s Westbrooke, Will Packer Productions, Universal Studios, BBC, Sony Pictures Television, Starz, Lionsgate and Green Door Pictures.

Her perfect life And Iao mi (my wife) It is produced under the Mo Abudu Films label, which aims to expand the scope of Nigerian cinema by producing more “personal and intimate” films that champion “the voices and perspectives of underrepresented communities.”

“As an African woman and storyteller, I am committed to shaping a narrative landscape where our stories are not only seen, but celebrated – where the authenticity and depth of African storytelling finds a place in the global canon,” Abudu says. “The world is hungry for diverse stories, and it is time to showcase the richness of our narratives, empower African voices and craft a more inclusive mosaic of storytelling on the global stage.”

Entry into the Oscar race is a “testament to the global resonance” of the narratives within it Her perfect life And Iao mi (my wife) Abudu says. “We are humbled by the consideration of Oscar voters. It is an honor to be in contention, and we hope for the best as we eagerly anticipate the potential for these stories to resonate with audiences around the world.”