Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Native Filmworks and Michelangelo Productions are thrilled to announce the revival of their groundbreaking First Features Project as the team returns to set for the shooting of ‘Kill Boro.’ Spearheaded by Nollywood producing duo Steve Gukas and Dotun Olakunri, the First Features Project is dedicated to nurturing and empowering the next generation of visionary film directors in Nigeria.
Veteran Director Steve Gukas, renowned for his works like ’93 Days’ and ‘A Place in The Stars,’ underscores the project’s significance. He emphasises, “The First Features Project reflects our unwavering commitment to elevating Nigerian cinema by nurturing emerging talents with top-tier industry expertise. ‘Kill Boro,’ one of the most anticipated additions to our 12-film slate, is being directed by Courage Obayuwana, a protégé of the project.”
The First Features Project’s mentorship programme boasts renowned industry professionals such as John Demps, Antonio Ribeiro, Tolu Ajayi, Cristina Aragon, George Kallis, and Steve Gukas. These experts provide invaluable insights into the intricacies of film and television production, equipping emerging directors with the skills necessary to helm feature-length films.
Dotun Olakunri, co-founder of the initiative and an influential figure in Nollywood, underscores its importance: “Our objective with First Features is to bolster the talent pool in Nollywood. We firmly believe that investing in the next wave of filmmakers is essential for the industry’s continued growth. With the evolving landscape of Nollywood, including the entry of streaming giants like Prime Video, initiatives like First Features play a crucial role in upskilling local talent and ensuring that Nigerian cinema continues to captivate global audiences.”
First Features achieved its first milestone last year with the release of ‘Cake,’ a feature film directed by Prosper Edesiri. Starring Tope Tedela, Sophie Alakija, Patience Ozokwor, and other Nollywood stars, the film showcased the potential of this human capacity development project.
Following the success of ‘Cake,’ First Features has completed production on ‘Love & Life,’ a gripping drama directed by Reuben Reng. The film features Rita Dominic, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Chidi Mokeme, and Michelle Dede. Additionally, ‘It Blooms In June,’ directed by Korede Azeez and starring Femi Jacobs, Kiki Omeili, Susan Pwajok, and Kem Ajieh, is in the pipeline. ‘Love & Life’ is scheduled for release in October 2023, offering another captivating contribution to Nigerian cinema.
“As ‘Kill Boro’ commences filming, it not only marks the continuation of our mission to empower emerging filmmakers but also serves as a testament to the vibrancy and innovation propelling Nollywood into the future,” adds Gukas.
‘Kill Boro’ is currently in production in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
About the First Features Project
The First Features Project, a collaboration between Native Filmworks and Michelangelo Productions, stands as a pioneering initiative focused on nurturing and empowering a new generation of visionary film directors in Nigeria. Spearheaded by Steve Gukas and Dotun Olakunri, prominent figures in the Nigerian film industry, the project provides training, mentorship, and funding for the production of debut feature films by emerging voices within the Nigerian film industry. With its commitment to fostering creativity, diversity, and excellence in filmmaking, the First Features Project is dedicated to elevating Nigerian cinema to global prominence.
About Natives Filmworks and Michelangelo Productions
Natives Filmworks and Michelangelo Productions are visionary forces in the Nigerian film industry, committed to fostering the growth of emerging talent and elevating Nigerian cinema to global prominence. Headed by Steve Gukas and Dotun Olakunri, respectively, the team boasts cumulative industry experience spanning over three decades and has collaborated on producing some of Nollywood’s landmark projects, including films like ‘A Place In The Stars,’ ’93 Days,’ and ‘Living In Bondage-Breaking Free.’
