Guguru Studios and Signet Ring Studios have announced the completion of principal photography for Moses Ipadeola’s ‘The Autograph of Nothingness,’ a short film that delves into themes of isolation, emotional dependence, and the fragile human desire for connection.
‘The Autograph of Nothingness’ is an existential psycho-thriller that intertwines surrealism with its poignant exploration of human fragility. Through the lead character, Menundo, the film challenges viewers to confront their shadows and question the lengths to which they go to escape or embrace them.
The film blends surreal melancholy with poetic introspection, offering fleeting glimpses of cautious hope amid profound isolation. By portraying loneliness as a tangible, almost living entity, it aims to connect audiences to the emotional landscape of its protagonist while also disorienting them.
Directed by Moses Ipadeola, whose past works such as ‘Ifa Therapy,’ Fate, and ‘Ekun Iyawo: The Tale of a Runaway Bride’ have shown his unique ability to weave African cosmology into contemporary narratives. Cinematography is by Taiwo Egunjobi Okwong Fadamana, known for his work on ‘In Ibadan,’ ‘Crushed Roses,’ and ‘A Green Fever.’ Fadamana also collaborated with Ipadeola on ‘Fate’ and served as the cinematographer for Daniel Oriahi’s ‘A Ghetto Love Story.’
Cynthia Dozie-Onwusoh screenplayed the film and wrote the story with Kemi Rebecca Osiyi. It features Omowunmi Dada, Levi Chikere, and Sharon Rotimi in leading roles, with a cameo by Uzor Arukwe.
First-look Images for ‘The Autograph of Nothingness’
Speaking about the film, Ipadeola described it as his way of exploring the silent battles many men face. “Grief, loneliness, and mental health in men are conversations that remain largely mysterious and unexplored. As filmmakers, we have a responsibility to demystify these topics and bring them to life through stories like Menundo’s,” he remarked.
The story of Menundo reflects the weight of fractured relationships, visa rejections, and personal addictions, painting a portrait that resonates with many.
Omowunmi Dada, who also serves as an executive producer, shared her thoughts on the film’s unique perspective, describing it as “an existentialist journey that portrays loneliness as more than a theme—it becomes a toxic, living presence.”
The film also represents a new step for executive producer Mautin Tairu and an addition to his previous notable projects, such as ‘Tanwa Savage.’ Describing the film as “a captivating narrative that explores the consequences of despair,” he noted how the project provided an opportunity to address universal struggles through a deeply personal lens.
The completion of ‘The Autograph of Nothingness’ marks the beginning of a broader exploration of a cinematic universe of Nothingness. Tairu shared that a feature film, ‘Biography of Nothingness,’ will follow this short film, while a ‘Memoir of Nothingness’ anthology will follow.
Subsequent details about these projects will be unveiled.
