Blue Pictures Entertainment will release ‘Dara’ in cinemas on September 5, 2025. The film, directed by Bobby Rak and executive produced by Mfon Essiet, confronts cultism and violence on Nigerian campuses through a Port Harcourt-set story.
At the film’s premiere interviews, members of the cast and crew described ‘Dara’ as both a social commentary and a portrait of Port Harcourt culture. Emmanuel Edi, who stars in the film, said his personal experiences on campus shaped his connection to the project:
“I was intimidated when I was in school a lot. You know, on campus… when you’re actually a fine boy. They would want to [recruit you],” he said. “This is not just a movie; it’s actually a movement to stop cultism.”
Raymond Umenze, who plays Agama, explained that his performance allowed him to explore difficult emotions: “Every emotion is valid, right? And to me, it’s fun exploring anger because from the anger you can find a lot of truth in it.”
For Riyo David, the film was about friendship. “My character represents a true friend… In the society that we are in, we don’t have people who can live up to that kind of testimony. And I’m happy to play a character who is living up to his words and deeds.”
Director Bobby Rak, who grew up in Port Harcourt and began his Nollywood career as a fight choreographer, said the story draws heavily from lived experiences in the city. “We had to paint this story based on experiences in Port Harcourt City. At the end of the day, the purpose of filmmaking is to educate, entertain and inform.”
Executive producer Mfon Essiet emphasised that telling a Port Harcourt story, rather than another Lagos-set narrative, was central to the project.
“Port Harcourt has its own subculture. It’s still Nigeria, but it’s a little different. And a lot of times it’s outsiders telling the story. So it was important for people who grew up there and love the culture to actually tell their own story.”
The film stars Tomi Ojo, Raymond Umenze, Emmanuel Edi, Tina Mba, Riyo David, Eke Ella, Prince Ren, Barbiey Udoh, Abobbi Eddieroll, and Nkemjika Paul.
