The Story ⚡
Afolabi Olalekan’s directorial debut, Freedom Way, written and produced by Blessing Uzzi under BluHouse Studios, is set to have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7th.
Tell Me More
This feature tells a powerful story about personal and professional struggles. The plot follows three young entrepreneurs fighting to keep their startup alive despite sabotage from a powerful competitor.
It also features a bike man who loses his means of livelihood and must make tough choices to support his family, A doctor who struggles with his conscience on the job while battling outdated government policies and police officers who find themselves on opposite sides of the law, facing a difficult decision.
Unfavourable government laws and police harassment create a ripple effect, impacting the lives of these nine individuals and setting them on a collision course.
Written and produced by Blessing Uzzi, under Bluhouse studios, Freedom Way stars Debo Adedayo (Mr. Macaroni), Meg Otanwa, Femi Jacobs, Bimbo Akintola, Mike Afolarin, Taye Arimoro, Jable Ogaranya and South African actors Jesse Suntele. The film offers an authentic portrayal of resilience and the interconnectedness of our lives, promising to resonate deeply with a local and global audience.
Key Background
BluHouse Studios, founded by Blessing Uzzi in 2021 and incorporated in November 2022, is a prominent Nigerian film and television production company. Known for producing a diverse range of visual content, including films, music videos, and commercials, the studio has quickly become one of Africa’s leading visual storytelling organizations. BluHouse Studios believes in the power of visual storytelling and collaborates with top creatives across Africa to bring their stories to life.
The studio has an impressive portfolio, having produced music videos for renowned artists such as Davido, Cobhams, Broda Shaggi, Zlatan, Chike, and Waje. They have also partnered with major brands like 1xbet, Bet9ja, Infinix, Tecno, and Bigi and recently worked on the Giannis documentary, then Chivas regal “I rise, we rise” campaign.
With two feature films set to be released on streaming platforms in 2024, three short films, and extensive experience in the film, music, and commercial industries.
Tangent
At the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, two notable Nigerian films made their mark. Ishaya Bako’s I Do Not Come to You by Chance and Lonzo Nzekwe’s Orah both showcased the vibrant and diverse storytelling coming from Nigeria.
Bako, a familiar face at TIFF, returns with an adaptation of Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani’s acclaimed novel. I Do Not Come to You by Chance explores the life of a Nigerian graduate entangled in his uncle’s email fraud scheme, offering a poignant commentary on the struggles and ethical dilemmas faced by many in similar situations. Executive producers include Genevieve Nnaji, Chinny Carter, and Chioma Onyewe, with a cast featuring Blossom Chukwujekwu, Paul Nnadiekwe, and Jennifer Eliogu among others.
On the other hand, Lonzo Nzekwe’s Orah is a gripping revenge thriller centred on an immigrant mother from Toronto who seeks justice for her murdered son in Nigeria. Orah’s quest for vengeance against the international money launderers responsible for her son’s death drives the narrative, with powerful performances by Oyin Oladejo, Emeka Nwagbaraocha, and Tina Mba.
In Summary
The prestigious selection of Freedom Way as the sole Nigerian feature to premiere at TIFF 2024 has generated tremendous buzz, setting the stage for a highly anticipated Nigerian release.
This milestone marks a significant achievement for the film and its creators, paving the way for a successful domestic debut and cementing its place in the country’s cinematic landscape
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