A love story for the ages, ‘Summer Rain’ tells the story of two friends whose journey to love spans over 10 years. Directed by Adenike Adebayo-Esho, the film has been described as a tale of love, relationships, and second chances.
At the heart of the story is the influence of family on romantic decisions, a theme that resonated deeply with the audience. “It’s a transgenerational story,” Adebayo-Esho said on the red carpet. “Whether you are Gen Z, a millennial, or a boomer, you will find a way to connect to something in this film.”
The film boasts an impressive cast, including Daniel Etim Effiong, Bolaji Ogunmola, Genoveva Umeh, and Kayode Jnr. Ojuolape. According to Adebayo-Esho, the cast brought their characters to life with remarkable depth. “If you don’t take anything away from ‘Summer Rain’, you will take away phenomenal acting and incredible performances.”
For Bolaji Ogunmola, who served as both lead actress and co-producer, “‘Summer Rain’ was more than just another project—it was a dream come true. “I want this film to give you hope, to entertain, and to stay with you,” she said. Ogunmola emphasised that love is a universal experience that should not be dismissed, regardless of age or circumstance.
Daniel Etim Effiong, who played a pivotal role in the film, shared his excitement about the project. “Love endures; it suffers long,” he reflected, adding that true love transcends time. Meanwhile, Genoveva Umeh, who plays Murewa, expressed how much she connected with her character. “She reminds me of my younger self,” Umeh shared, reminiscing about her childhood in Enugu.
Kayode Jnr. Ojuolape, who played the younger version of Etim Effiong’s character, spoke on the authenticity of young love. “Puppy love is real and sweet,” he noted, “but true love stands the test of time.”
The chemistry between the film’s leads and behind-the-scenes team was evident, with multiple cast and crew members reflecting on the collaborative spirit of the production. Ogunmola and Adebayo, long-time friends, emphasised how their shared vision helped shape the film. “Being friends helps,” Adebayo said. “When we disagree, we do it in love and come back together.”
Michael Ejoor, who had a supporting role in the film, praised the project, saying, “We didn’t come with a complicated story. We just wanted to create something heartfelt and relatable.”
With the successful premiere of ‘Summer Rain’, Adebayo-Esho and Ogunmola are already looking ahead. “This is just the beginning,” Ogunmola teased. “More films are coming.”
Beyond the film’s release, ‘Summer Rain’ has sparked conversations about the industry and the importance of writer recognition. Screenwriter Owumi Ugbeye urged producers and directors to give writers more visibility, stating, “When listing your cast and crew, mention the writer. We help shape these stories.”
With performances from a stellar cast, ‘Summer Rain’ promises a heartfelt story and a message that resonates with audiences all over.
