In a significant stride for African cinema, Mo Abdu’s directorial debut films, Her Perfect Life and Iyawo Mi, have formally secured a place in the Oscar race. Both films, which explore the complexities of mental health, generated significant interest on the international festival circuit, including screenings at Cannes’ Short Film Corner, Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, HollyShorts Film Festival, and the Rhode Island Film Festival.
Her Perfect Life follows the story of Onajite Johnson-Ibrahim, portrayed by Pearl Thusi, a 39-year-old entrepreneur seemingly living a perfect life but secretly battling depression and contemplating suicide. Meanwhile, Iyawo Mi (My Wife) tells the tale of Eniola, played by Bolaji Ogunmola, residing in one of Lagos’ poorest neighborhoods, whose mental health struggles take a tragic turn.
The films, produced under the Mo Abudu Films label, mark a departure from traditional Nigerian cinema by aiming for more “personal and intimate” storytelling that champions the voices of underrepresented communities. Abudu believes in the universal resonance of African narratives.
As the world eagerly awaits the Oscar nominations, Abudu hopes that Her Perfect Life and Iyawo Mi will continue to break ground, showcasing the richness of African storytelling on the global stage and empowering African voices in the film industry.
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