AFRIFF 2023 | In conversation with Chioma Paul-Dike
© 2023 Chioma Paul-Dike
Passionate about film and storytelling, Chioma Paul-Dike has been part of the film industry since 2015. She worked on several films like Idahosa trails, Kasala, Otiti, and Once Upon a Life, as an Assistant Director before co-creating the production company Two Shoes Production with the mission of telling authentic African stories. She co-produced and directed Until 23, a short film that was recently acclaimed at AFRIFF 2023. Dive in our conversation as we talk about her connection with spirituality and the next step in her journey.
Your recent film received acclaim at AFRIFF 2023. Can you share the inspiration behind it and the story you aimed to tell?
Two of my indigenous short films; ‘Until 23’ and ‘Dreams’ screened at AFRIFF 2023. ‘Until 23’ is an Afro-spiritism short while ‘Dreams’ is a horror short film. Safe to say they both received acclaim from the audience who watched them. However, ‘Until 23’ won the Access Bank Best Short Film Award.
‘Until 23’ is a story born out of stories we’ve heard about desperate parents who seek children at all costs and somehow forget about the responsibility once the child arrives. It’s almost like Samuel’s story from the bible, however, Samuel’s mum kept her side of the bargain and brought Samuel into the know. In ‘Until 23’, Shina suffers the consequences of being left in the dark by his parents who had made vows while seeking the child.
To better understand your artistic journey, could you share a bit about your background and how your personal experiences have shaped your approach to filmmaking? What brought you to make films?
I grew up in a spiritual home, so I oftentimes like to identify as spiritual, but beyond that, I’m sensitive and observant. So I usually tap into these places for stories – what I’ve seen and heard, what I’m feeling, and what can oftentimes be unexplainable.
Winning an award at a significant festival is a remarkable achievement. How does this recognition impact you as a short film filmmaker, and what does it mean for the broader short film industry in Africa?
Rightly said, it’s a remarkable achievement I’m basking in. It’s a nudge in the right direction. Personally, it means I’m right on track and I can only get better from here. For the short film industry, it means there’s nothing wrong with starting off with short films, making mistakes, doing it afraid, but doing it regardless. It’s an encouragement for everyone.
© 2023 Chioma Paul-Dike | On set of ‘Until 23’
Nigerian cinema has been gaining international attention. In your opinion, what makes the country's film scene unique, and how do you see it evolving in the coming years?
I would like to believe that something that has got us going is the tenacity of passionate storytellers and filmmakers in the country, as well as the relatability and intentionality in our storytelling. Evolving means even better storytelling – in terms of dynamism and execution, better structure for the industry – in terms of infrastructure and innovation, and equal and accessible opportunities to both emerging and established filmmakers.
I believe the narratives that we have to convey to a global audience are ‘‘Who we are’’, and ‘‘What makes us who we are’’. The true representation of a Nigerian and African can be exported through films.
Working in Nigeria, what challenges and opportunities do you encounter?
You’re likely to hear funding over and over again, so that’s one. I’m gradually getting a grip on the wholesome understanding of the ecosystem in which the industry operates. The opportunities are endless but something I really would like to highlight is collaboration. The ability to find the right team to collaborate with on any project.
It’s important to consider the ever-changing situation in the industry, however, It’s the stories and themes I intend to share that I ensure mean something, and won't be overlooked.
You had a second film in competition at the festival, how did these two films compare? How does it feel to have two competing projects?
‘Dreams’ and ‘Until 23’ are alike yet different. They’re both indigenous – the supernatural, the language, the nuances. A Nigerian or even African watching them both will find some form of identity. However, Dreams was told in the horror genre. It’s such an honour and privilege to have two short films selected, screened, and competed in the festival.
© 2023 Chioma Paul-Dike | Adedamola Akapo in ‘Until 23’
What role do you think film festivals play in promoting African cinema, and how have they contributed to your career so far?
Film festivals have given me the opportunity to share my films with global audiences, and to connect with filmmakers from around the world. The inspiration and exchange that happens during film festivals cannot be overstated. Festivals have played and will continue to play a significant role in the promotion of films globally and in propelling African stories and cinema to a global audience.
Can you share any memorable experiences from the filmmaking process of your award-winning short film?
A memorable experience is every call I made to every member of the team, selling the vision to them and how they effortlessly bought into the vision and came on board, winning Best Short Film at AFRIFF is a testament to everyone’s determination to do something profound!
How do you approach collaboration with other filmmakers and industry professionals?
I believe everyone is willing to collaborate. They just have to be right for the story you want to tell and believe in it as much as you do. That’s how I approach it all the time.
© 2023 Chioma Paul-Dike | Shirley Oaikhenan in ‘Until 23’
What projects do you have on the horizon, and what themes or stories are you eager to explore in your future work?
The possibilities of an extended version of ‘Dreams’ and ‘Until 23’ are high, so safe to say, they’re on the horizon. I’m very huge on spiritism and mystery, family-oriented stories and love stories that transcend boy meets girl. Stories that are inspired by someone or will inspire someone, are stories I’m looking to tell.
For aspiring filmmakers in Nigeria, what advice do you have for navigating the industry and making a meaningful impact with their work?
Collaborate. Find your tribe – people you can build with, tell stories with, and draw strength and inspiration from. Ease off from the pressure. Do it afraid. Be intentional. I can go on and on, but I don’t think we haven’t heard these before. Just believe – in yourself, in the story you’re telling, and in the universe aligning.
UNTIL 23
| By Chioma Paul-Dike
Shina gets a request to accompany his beautiful acquaintance, Adesewa, to Lagos as she hates driving alone at night. Shina hesitates, considering informing his parents, but Adesewa convinces him to try something spontaneous, promising to bring him back the next day.
Winner | Access Bank Best Short Film Award - AFRIFF 2023
