A woman leaves Warri for Lagos in search of something bigger than survival. However, what starts out as a familiar migration story swiftly transforms into a unique narrative.
That’s the premise behind ‘Onobiren’, the latest film from filmmaker and producer Laju Iren, now showing in cinemas from March 6 through FilmOne Entertainment.
Speaking at the film’s premiere, Iren described ‘Onobiren’ (whose title means “woman” in Itsekiri) as an attempt to portray women who refuse shortcuts while navigating society’s expectations.
“We really wanted a film that challenged gender norms,” Iren said. “Not everybody simply wants to go the easy way. There are so many women who want to do things the right way, reach people the right way, and be great the right way.”
The film follows Roli, a young woman from Warri whose journey from her fishing community to Lagos becomes a story about survival, purpose and self-discovery. Along the way, she encounters both obstacles and an unexpected network of support, particularly from other women.
Laju Iren credits the inspiration for ‘Onobiren’ to her upbringing, particularly the influence of the women in her family, for shaping the story’s themes.
“My mom was a teacher growing up, but she was also a tailor and had a shop where she sold fresh food,” she said. “She just did a lot of things.”
Iren describes herself as having grown up surrounded by strong women and men who supported them, including her father, whom she calls a “HeForShe”.
“My parents and my sisters have really been strong examples for me,” she added.
The project was developed in partnership with Africa No Filter and CcHub’s Creative Economy Practice, organisations interested in storytelling that challenges entrenched social norms.
Ruby Akubueze on bringing Roli to life in ‘Onobiren’
Actor Ruby Akubueze, who plays Roli, said the role pushed her both physically and emotionally during filming across Lagos and in riverine communities near Warri.
“We filmed in Lagos and we went to Warri to film in a village called Koko,” she said. “It was such a beautiful place by the water. You see it in the film.”
Playing the character reinforced something she already believed about life and work.
“There will always be people who believe in you,” she said. “I’ve had my fair share of people who don’t even know me but just believe in what I do.”
While ‘Onobiren’ centres on women, the film also highlights supportive male characters who break away from typical on-screen portrayals.
Actor Desmond Bryce, who plays Roli’s love interest, said patience was the defining trait that drew him to the role.
“Not every time you see a man that is patient in film,” Bryce said. “Despite everything happening around him, he understands the situation and what’s needed at the time.”
That balance, showing both empowered women and supportive men, is central to the film’s message.
“It’s not always men bad, women good,” said Ojoma Ochai, managing director at CcHub Africa. “We want to show a balance where both men and women can aspire to be better.”
‘Onobiren’ marks Iren’s first theatrical release after building an audience through streaming films like ‘Loving Amanda’.
Actor and media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, who also appears in the film, said he was already familiar with Iren’s work before joining the project.
“I encountered her films on Prime Video,” he said. “I was already a fan of her voice and her style, so when she reached out, it was an easy yes.”
For Iren, the film’s cinema release represents a new chapter but one that remains rooted in the same storytelling values.
At its heart, ‘Onobiren’ is about the everyday strength of women trying to build meaningful lives without abandoning their principles.
Occasionally, about the unexpected people who stand beside them while they do.
