Chioma Paul-Dike is set to begin principal photography on ‘Oblation,’ a supernatural horror film based on her AFRIFF 2023 short film Dreams, through her Two Shoes Media Production.
Written, directed, and produced by AFRIFF Globe Awards-winning filmmaker Chioma Paul-Dike, the production kicks off in January 2025, promising an eerie, suspenseful narrative deeply rooted in African mysticism and cultural heritage.
Paul-Dike solidified her reputation when her short films ‘Dreams’ and ‘Until 23’ were official selections at the 2023 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), with ‘Until 23’ winning the Access Bank Best Short Film Award. With ‘Oblation,’ she expands on the themes explored in ‘Dreams,’ transforming it into a full-length feature starring Onyinye Odokoro in the lead role.
The story follows Nelo, an eight-month pregnant woman haunted by relentless nightmares of an angry, unseen presence warning her to leave. As her dreams bleed into reality, she is forced to confront the terrifying secrets buried within her ancestral home.
“Horror, especially one that draws from African myths and culture, is a genre I am deeply passionate about,” says Paul-Dike. “With ‘Oblation,’ I want to immerse audiences in a world where instinct, dreams, and revenge intertwine in unexpected ways.”
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, with Onyinye Odokoro leading alongside Nollywood powerhouses Kelechi Udegbe, Chioma Chukwuka, Bucci Franklin, Ebere Okaro, Amanda Oruh, and Ruby Akubueze.
Filming will wrap by the end of January 2025, followed by post-production from February to April. According to the producer-director, the movie will make its festival run from May to November 2025, ahead of a premiere and release on streaming platforms.
Beyond filmmaking, Paul-Dike is also a co-founder of Filmmakers Mart, a marketplace catering to all aspects of video production, from location scouting to logistics and talent sourcing. With this adaptation of her short film, she cements her place as a rising storyteller in Nollywood’s evolving horror landscape.
