Nwamaka Chikezie

My experience at the 2023 Accraindiefilmfest was truly unforgettable. It was inspiring to see so many brilliant minds come together. I participated in insightful Q&As, watched thought-provoking movies, met incredibly talented actors, directors, producers and attended some amazing parties! 🤐 I want to thank @iam_evaneghan and all the festival organizers from the bottom of my heart for their very personable and cozy hospitality, for their kindness, professionalism and attention to details! Winning the Audience Choice Award was the icing on the cake. Thank you to everyone who watched and rooted for and voted for this project. It's a great honor to be recognized for the work, and I am more motivated than ever to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible. I collaborated with some of the most talented people in the Nigerian film Industry; Go figure!! Singling out @anointedaugustine22 who won the award for Best Juvenile Performance. Congratulations champ! 🙌🏾 To everyone who has supported me in one way or another; I will forever cherish your kindness. Starring: @toniachukwurah @anointedaugustine22 @ray_adeka @isiioma @teetemmyy @meet_franka_igwe @oficialzainab @essence_of_ladinah Crew Executive Producer @tonybadesina Produced and written by @chibrenda90 Co-Producer @emgaruba & @im_dikoxy9 Cinematographer @thenightartiste Sound @jonathanainwokhai Editor @mundicious Script supervisor @engratia__ AD @ruthlesshanss PM @esther.enebeli PA @official_weekendd @_______arman_____khan________ Welfare @ogbukajoshua BTS @miahdiri #awardwinner #shortfilm #femalefilmmaker

When passion meets experience. A moment with the iconic Sam Dede. #filmdirector #Nollywood #samdede 📸: @miahdiri Nigerian filmmaker.

ONYEKA ONWENU (Elegant Stallion)🕊️ The first time I heard Onyeka Onwenu’s music was in church as we prepared for the visit of Archbishop Obinna in Owerri for a Confirmation Mass. If you’re Catholic, you know how significant this preparation can be. The altar boys and girls were in the parish house—cleaning up and washing the vestments. Up in the “father’s parlour,” her song blasted from the stereo, filling the air with its vibrant rhythm. “Iyogogo Iyogogo Iyogogo…” had a quiet energy to it, without any fuss. The part that made us kids laugh was when she sang, “K’anyi je na nke Bishop na 5 akuola…” We chuckled at the mention of the bishop, knowing he was visiting the next day. I remember our Fr. Des coming out to dance a little and exclaiming, “Ah, the great Onyeka Onwenu!” That name has stuck with me ever since. Recently, I found myself working as the 1st Assistant Director on a set where she starred. When I heard her speak for the first time, that same “quiet energy” I had loved as a child resonated through her presence. The way she walked, talked, and observed reflected a no-nonsense attitude. On her last day on set, she brought copies of her memoir, *Her Father’s Daughter*, and gifted me an autographed copy. If you know me, you know that books are incredibly special gifts, and would have heard about my signed copy. A few months ago, when I got the chance to direct my first feature film, I immediately wanted Onyeka Onwenu to play a role. It was a unanimous decision among the team. “I love fresh beginnings; I’ll support you girls,” she told the producer and me. On her final day on set she told me “Don’t give in to mediocrity. That’s what has kept me! My standards… I am 72 now.” She said, as I apologized for the downtime and inconvenience on set. I am heartbroken and saddened that she is no longer with us to share that quiet ginger with the world and would not get to see the finished film. But then, Legends don’t die, their footprints live forever. I am grateful to have crossed paths with the Elegant Stallion. The lessons I learnt working with her will stay with me as long as I continue to make films. My condolences to her family. #onyekaonwenu

Gorilla Filmmaker presents: Post-Mortem Screening: To Adaego, With Love Directed by Nwamaka Chikezie As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering thoughtful filmmaking practice, Gorilla Filmmaker presents a post-mortem screening of the award-winning film To Adaego, With Love, bringing together the crew behind the project for a focused and reflective session on the work. This screening is positioned as a deliberate exploration of process. It is an opportunity to engage with the film beyond its final form. The conversation will center on the creative and technical decisions that shaped the project, from development and visual storytelling to production realities and post-production execution. It is an examination of both intention and outcome, offering insight into the discipline, collaboration, and problem-solving required to bring the film to life. Gorilla Filmmaker continues to build a platform where filmmakers and creatives can pool resources, exchange knowledge, and grow through the work itself. This session reflects that ethos, creating space for honest dialogue, critical reflection, and a deeper understanding of craft. To Adaego, With Love stands as a strong example of purposeful storytelling, and this post-mortem screening underscores the value of interrogating process as much as celebrating product. Directed by: @amaka_creme Written & Produced by: @chibrenda90 Executive Producer: @tonybadesina Coproducers: @lorenzomenakaya @emilsutoritera Line Producer: @cutest_mnena_ Cinematographer: @realboka 1st Ad: @efe.diana Editor: @mundicious Script: @engratia__ Production sound: @jonathanainwokhai @bishelofficiall @ruthlesshanss Costume: @huskymakeover Make up: @iam_nguher @tobitheartist Hair: @niceup_beauty_lounge Post production sound: @rexricketts @onyebeat @jonathanainwokhai BTS: @miahdiri @emeka.loveday

Of Grief and Growth!

Less than 2 DAYS TO GO🔥🔥 ☎️ Last call for Tickets! Grab yours now using the Link in our Bio ⬆️ Anụla ya n’ọnụ o! #uiutoronto #umuigbounite #movienight #community #fypシ

This scene from To Adaego With Love features National Icon - Onyeka Onwenu, in one of her final film appearances before her passing 🕊️✨ Set in post-civil war Nigeria, To Adaego With Love tells the story of a forbidden romance between a Northern Nigerian soldier and an Igbo schoolteacher as they navigate love, division, and healing in 1975. This is best enjoyed with a friends and a community that knows how to have a good time 😌! Haven’t got your tickets yet?! Secure yours now while they’re still available 🎟️ (Link in Bio) ⬆️ 🕔 5:00 PM 📍 Maja Prentice Theatre, 3650 Dixie Rd, Mississauga #UIUToronto #Nollywood #MovieScreening#umuigbounite#toadaegowithlove

Some days you don’t wait for life to happen to you Instead, you happen to life! This is one of those days!

The award winning film, To Adaego with Love, directed by @amaka_creme , will be showing live in Nollywood in Hollywood 2026 📅 Saturday, 7th March 📍Norris Theatre ⏰ 5:30pm Tickets are free…. Link in bio!!! Tell a friend to tell a friend #nollywood #nollywoodinhollywoodla #nigeriansindiaspora #nollywoodinhollywood2026 #noho2026

It’s one thing to make a film that audiences love and enjoy. But it’s a whole different ball game when the people who were in the kitchen with you love what comes out of the oven too. As a filmmaker, that kind of satisfaction stays with you! To Adaego with Love is still showing in Cinemas Nationwide. Go see it and you’ll be glad you did.

In this exclusive feature, the team behind To Adaego With Love reflects on: -Why telling a post-civil war love story feels urgent for a new generation - Exploring silence, memory, and reconciliation through intimate storytelling 🎶 Using music as an emotional bridge between history and healing -Crafting Adaego and Balarabe as complex individuals shaped by a divided nation Featuring insights from @chibrenda90 @amaka_creme @chisomagoawuike @theadamgarba @tade_production Read the full story via the link in bio. /8p7k4ztk #ToAdaegoWithLove #NollywoodFeatures #PostWarNigeria #NigerianCinema #nollywood

I spoke exclusively with the team behind To Adaego With Love for @the.nollywoodreporter , a tender Nollywood drama set in 1975 that uses romance to confront the emotional aftershocks of the civil war. Thank you to @riyo_david , @chibrenda90 , @amaka_creme , @chisomagoawuike , and @theadamgarba for speaking with me. Click the link in my bio x stories to read more.