By Aderogba George
A powerful Nigerian short film, ‘Tears for Enebi’, has achieved a significant milestone on the international stage, securing two prestigious awards at the Independent Short Awards in Los Angeles. The film, the creation of renowned multi-hyphenate storyteller Godspower Oshodin, triumphed in the categories of Best Women Short and Best Actress (Rahama Zakareeyah), marking a pivotal moment for its message and its creators.
The announcement was made in a statement from Mr. Osaretin Oshodin, International Liaison Officer for Solution Media Studios. This recognition is not merely a trophy; it is the culmination of an extraordinary 12-year development process, a testament to the unwavering dedication of producer Godspower Oshodin—an author, poet, journalist, and filmmaker.
“Production was halted twice, but our resolve never wavered because we knew this story had to be told,” Oshodin revealed, highlighting the immense challenges often faced by independent films tackling difficult subject matter. The project was brought to life through a collaborative effort, co-produced by Seunmanuel Faleye and directed by a team including Peter Atigogo, Faleye, and Sunki, with Joshua Emmanuel coordinating production.
At its core, ‘Tears for Enebi’ is a courageous narrative designed to confront sexual violence and amplify the voices of survivors. Oshodin conceived the story over a decade ago as a direct challenge to rape, abuse, and all forms of gender-based violence (GBV). This win in Los Angeles underscores the film’s global resonance, proving that its message transcends cultural and geographical boundaries.
The award for Best Actress went to Rahama Zakareeyah for her portrayal of the titular Enebi. In her reaction, Zakareeyah framed the honor as one belonging to a collective: “Portraying Enebi was both challenging and rewarding… this role represented countless women whose voices often go unheard. The honour belongs to survivors and to women and girls determined to share their truth.” Her statement elevates the award from personal achievement to a symbolic victory for survivors everywhere.
The film’s success at the Independent Short Awards is part of a growing wave of acclaim. To date, ‘Tears for Enebi’ has now won five international awards and has been officially selected for screening at 10 major film festivals scheduled for 2026. This trajectory indicates a powerful and expanding platform for its critical social message.
Featuring performances by Seunmanuel Faleye, Aitiya Hensley, five-year-old Kika Oshodin, and a special appearance by Nollywood veteran Foluke Daramola, the film is a product of a strategic collaboration between Solution Media Studios, Mogson Production, M2net, and Purplemat Entertainment. An original soundtrack by MarkOwi further enriches the cinematic experience.
Ultimately, ‘Tears for Enebi’ represents more than award-winning cinema. It is a tool for advocacy and a catalyst for necessary dialogue. As stated in the release, the film aims to “inspire dialogue and action towards a safer and more compassionate society.” Its international awards success provides a louder megaphone for that mission, proving that persistent, heartfelt storytelling can break through and make an impact on a worldwide scale.
Edited by Tosin Kolade
