I was on set with @dir.bigdave when he first hinted at me being part of this project. A few days later, we got on a call where he shared his vision on using fashion as a powerful language to explore how far we’ve come as a society, yet how little progress we’ve truly made.
He spoke about imagining the hope and optimism people must have felt at the end of military rule how they believed the future held something brighter, freer, and more. That perspective immediately excited me.
Directing the cinematography was an absolute thrill. I immersed myself in studying the visual style and lighting of that era, making sure every frame honored its authenticity. Seeing the final product reflect his vision so clearly was incredibly rewarding.
Bts @omavisuals
Prod Co @weirdmanfilms
CIVILIAN CHIC
From aso-ebi to ankara, our fabrics have always carried Naija’s spirit. Today, they tell stories of freedom, resilience, and the hope of democracy. Bold prints, timeless styles—Nigeria stepping into a new dawn, looking fly while doing it. ✨🇳🇬 But to the Nigerian child of today, with dreams in their eyes and challenges in their path… was the celebration worth it?
Director/story writer - @dir.bigdave
Dop - @manlyk_elo
Photographer- @omavisuals
Asst Dop - @rayvisuals__
editor / colorist - @_sirmee
Production Manager-@young_emike
Production asst - Ebuka
Bts video - @capry_sunn
Bts Images - @omavisuals
Modeling agency: @Signature_Models
Modeling academy:
@thesignatureacademy.ng
Models:
Beatrice (@nwosubeatrix )
Onyinye
Osato
@slim_mhe
Model co-ordinator @oscar_imagery
Model co-ordinator 2
@bigpope_01
Female Voice over - @__socialwizard@afriquenoiremagazine
Like God
It starts as a word.
A brief.
Something weightless, just words.
Then we speak and brainstorm it into being.
We shape it with time, with doubt, with long meetings and Imagination .
I say let there be and there is.
Creation is not loud.
It is slow, intimate, sometimes painful.
It demands belief before proof, faith before form.
Like Him, We work in darkness first.
In voids.
In places where no one is watching.
And when it finally exists breathing, flawed, alive I step back.
Not because it is perfect,
but because it is real.
This is how I Create like God:
not as distance,
but as a creator who trusts the word enough to let it walk on its own.
And every time I create,
I remember
we were made in His image
not to rule,
but to make.
Over the past week, I had the opportunity to share my light in filmmaking with the beautiful people at @baabfest_benin - as my uncle @theadebayomi would say.
It was such an amazing experience. I reached out to my uncles, fathers, and mentors in the industry, and their wisdom deeply enriched me. Sharing those lessons with fellow filmmakers made me even more excited about this journey.
The voice you’re hearing is my uncle @darobng , offering his insight on documentary filmmaking. I’m deeply grateful to all my fathers, friends, and colleagues in the industry who responded with such grace when I reached out. Thank you for your constant help and support.
⛪️: @baabfest_benin
VO: @darobng
🎥: @young_emike
At Rongo Art Residency, the energy is already contagious! 🎬
Filmmakers and creatives have come together to share ideas, brainstorm, and soak in the peace and inspiration this space brings.
From quiet corners with notebooks to lively chats over tea, every moment feels like the start of something amazing.
Can’t wait to see the stories, films, and art that will come to life in the days ahead!
#RongoartResidency #BAABFest #FilmmakersLife #CreativeCommunity #ArtistsAtWork #StorytellersUnite #EdoCreatives #PeaceAndHarmony #BehindTheScenes #CreativeJourney”
My name is Abhulimen Emmanuel Elo—and I’m not where I want to be yet.
I’m a filmmaker.
An editor. A storyteller. A creative who has turned curiosity and perseverance into a career that speaks in frames and feelings.
I’ve told stories that make people care.
Stories that shift perspectives.
Stories that preserve culture, challenge systems, and celebrate the overlooked.
I’ve worked with global organizations, edited films that traveled across continents, and co-founded a production company from the ground up.
I’ve stood behind the camera and in front of deadlines, pouring truth into every cut, every line, every frame.
I’ve made films that got into festivals I once only watched from afar.
Earned nominations I never thought I’d see.
Created visibility for causes and communities that matter.
But here’s what you don’t always see:
I’m still pitching.
Still applying for grants that could change everything.
Still hearing “maybe later” when I need a “yes.”
Still building a dream that doesn’t yet fund itself.
Still working of projects I believe in without getting paid
And yes—sometimes it’s exhausting.
Because I know I bring more than talent.
I bring vision. Intention. A sense of purpose that doesn’t always fit neatly into boxes or budgets.
Still—I show up.
For the stories I believe in.
For the people who trust me to tell theirs.
For the younger version of me who couldn’t have imagined this life.
For the future I’m carving with every project.
I celebrate my wins. I do.
But I also want to make space for:
💔 Creatives with global dreams and local challenges
💔 Filmmakers without the luxury of “backup plans”
💔 Professionals still waiting for their breakthrough, even with the receipts
💔 Stories that are still unfolding—not tied with a bow, but driven by belief
So here I am.
Still filming.
Still editing.
Still submitting.
Still mentoring.
Still rising—one frame at a time.
And if you see me—really see me—and you believe in stories that matter, let’s connect.
Because I’m not done.
I’m just getting started. 🎬🔥
📸: @marosaha
Been documenting the works of my mentor @omoregieosakpolor and it has been an amazing experience.
Today is the last day of this exhibition so drop everything and join us today by 12pm
Cc: @weirdmanfilms
JUST WRAPPED AN EPIC 2-DAY CREATIVE BOOTCAMP WITH @sonyalphanigeria , @storymiacademy & @tellthatstory_ !
📽️ Spent two intense days with 1 day learning from our mentors and another shooting, editing, writing an article, and presenting projects in 24 hours with an incredible squad of African creatives. Here’s the tea:
🔥 KEY TAKEAWAYS 🔥
1️⃣ PRESENT LIKE A PRO
→ Practice daily (yes, even to your mirror!).
→ Hide desktop chaos—extend your screen!
→ Introduce yourself with STORIES, not résumés. What shaped your journey? ✨
2️⃣ OWN YOUR NARRATIVE
We’re not just creatives—we’re guardians of African stories. Tell them with love, depth, and conscience. No shortcuts. 🌍
3️⃣ ETHICS > EVERYTHING
Document with respect. Say NO to projects that harm. Always research, caption accurately, and listen to both sides.
4️⃣ LIGHT + COMPOSITION = MAGIC
Master these, and your work will SPEAK. 📸💡
🙏 MASSIVE THANKS to @darobng@babawaleobayanju@fatiabubakarr@sophie_bouillon for graceiously mentoring us! Grateful for the tribe of passionate storytellers I now call family.
Blessed Boy
We had the honor of creating a short film that brings to life the incredible journey of Great Adamz. From the streets of Warri to the global stage for his album release, this is more than a story—it’s a testament to the power of hope and perseverance.
Director Mackson Dere
D.O.P @manlyk_elo
Post house @weirdmanfilms
#a7iv #explore
