It was a night of emotion and inspiration as the halls of the O2 Academy came alive with  excitement and pride as students, parents, and industry leaders gathered for the premiere of four remarkable short films, namely,  She Spoke First, Red Nail Polish, The Prodigal, and My Country Happened.

The event not only showcased the creativity and growth of emerging storytellers but also reaffirmed O2 Academy’s unwavering commitment to empowering Nigeria’s creative youth for national growth.

Four Films, One Purpose

The showcase presented four emotive short films: Red Nail Polish (directed by Ebunoluwa Afode), My Country Happened (directed by Usoro Ndifereke), The Prodigal (directed by Samuel Nwabuisi), and She Spoke First (directed by Chioma John).

Each film tackled different social textures — from personal identity and redemption to generational trauma — yet together they signaled a single purpose: to tell Nigerian stories with honesty, craft, and courage.

Notably, My Country Happened confronted the negative behaviours of some policemen in Nigeria and won plaudits for its visual storytelling, while She Spoke First swept several awards and captured hearts with its intimate, intergenerational portrayal of trauma and healing.

Meanwhile, Red Nail Polish and The Prodigal also earned warm critical praise for their originality and technical growth.

Emerging Voices: Students Reflect

Directors and writers spoke openly about the lessons learned during production. Chioma John, writer-director of She Spoke First, reflected on the tightrope between inspiration and discipline: “Some tiny details that I thought would not matter actually mattered during production and post-production.

Going forward, I will pay more attention to detail and plan more carefully. O2 taught me to look beyond myself because we make stories for people, not just for ourselves.”

She added that the film  a mockumentary-styled look at three generations of women, who sprang from a desire to turn personal anger into empathy and to spark conversations about inherited trauma.

Similarly, Usoro Ndifereke, who wrote and directed My Country Happened, thanked O2 Academy for expanding his horizons. “02 Academy made me realize that nothing is impossible if you are willing to learn,” he said. “This place transforms you with human touch — it’s where you learn the craft and the courage to tackle difficult topics.”

For Ebunoluwa Afode, director of Red Nail Polish, the experience taught resourcefulness.

She acknowledged budget and time constraints but celebrated how the Academy helped her translate ideas into a finished film.

Samuel Nwabuisi, director of The Prodigal, called the process “eye-opening,” praising the academy’s hands-on training that pushed him from crew roles into confident leadership.

A Mother’s Pride: Naza Nwankpa

The night felt deeply personal when Naza Nwankpa, mother of Chioma John, spoke through tears of joy. “What I saw tonight was beyond my imagination,” she said. “What I thought the training would give her was so small compared to this. I am fulfilled and proud. O2 Academy has given my daughter wings.”

Her words captured the emotion in the room — a parent’s relief that talent, when directed with care, can turn into opportunity.

Unexpected Brilliance: Elizabeth Azuaranam’s Moment

One of the evening’s most touching stories involved Elizabeth Azuaranam, who the production team called from the blue to play the grandmother in She Spoke First. Acting for the first time, she delivered a performance that judges described as natural and powerful.

“They begged me to act; I never imagined I could do it,” she laughed. Later, she stood humbled and emotional as the judges named her Overall Best Actor. “I feel very, very happy. I give God the glory,” she said, delighted and astonished by the recognition.

 

Industry Voices: Judges and Guests Weigh In

The premiere also drew notable industry praise. Two distinguished judges — Ikechukwu Okoro, veteran Nollywood actor, and Adekunle Adejuyigbe (Nodash), celebrated filmmaker, commended the students’ craft and potential.

Okoro applauded the program’s practical impact: “O2 Academy is doing nation-building work. They are impacting lives and equipping young people with knowledge. What they are doing is nothing short of nation building.”

In the same vein, Nodash urged the students to sharpen their technical skills and to collaborate: “You don’t have to be the best at everything. Learn to collaborate. Excellence lives in the details,  every cut, every shot  and remember that audiences may hear your story differently than you tell it.”

Guests also offered heartfelt endorsements. James Ajibade (Cracks TV) described the showcase as “a profound display of talent” and praised O2 for providing a platform that turns aspirants into industry-ready creatives.

Similarly, Oluwaseun David Makinde, a system analyst and guest, highlighted the global potential he saw in the films: “O2 alumni are already moving into major roles in the industry. With this standard, Nigerian creatives can compete on the international stage.”

Media strategist Ebunoluwa Afode (also a filmmaker in the showcase) reflected on the broader promise: “AI and technology are opening new creative pathways. O2 Academy gives us the tools to harness those opportunities while keeping our stories authentically Nigerian.”

Students’ Gratitude and Accomplishments

Throughout the evening, students expressed gratitude to the Academy for a platform that shaped both skills and character. Many emphasized that the training extended beyond technical lessons to include teamwork, resilience, and industry discipline.

As alumni and guests congratulated them, the directors  Chioma John, Ebunoluwa Afode, Usoro Ndifereke, and Samuel Nwabuisi all left the stage fulfilled, each carrying awards, applause, and a renewed sense of purpose.

O2 Academy’s Mission: Purpose Over Limits

Finally, Uche Ozor, Vice Provost and Principal of the School of Media at O2 Academy, reiterated the institution’s guiding principle: to empower creative youth for national growth.

He stressed that the Academy’s passion for young people’s well-being and professional development continues to override economic obstacles.

“We believe in mentorship, discipline, and giving the youth a place to fail and to rise again,” Ozor said. “Tonight proves that when we invest in people, we invest in the future.”

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A Night That Marks a Beginning

As the lights dimmed and the audience spilled into the night, the premiere felt less like an ending than the opening of a new chapter. Against the noise of doubt and scarcity, O2 Academy’s students stood as proof that vision, mentorship, and hard work can transform ambition into art.

From parents’ tears to judges’ standing ovations, the evening celebrated one clear truth  and that is, Nigeria’s creative renaissance has begun, and these young filmmakers have already started writing its chapters.

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