By Aderogba George
Abuja, Dec. 19, 2025 – In a significant victory for Nigerian cinema on the global stage, the short film Tears for Enebi has captured two prestigious awards at the Independent Short Awards in Los Angeles. The film, a passion project over a decade in the making, won the categories for Best Women Short and Best Actress, signaling its powerful impact and artistic merit.
The announcement, made by Mr. Osaretin Oshodin, International Liaison Officer for Solution Media Studios, highlights more than just trophies. It marks the culmination of a 12-year journey by producer Godspower Oshodin—an author, poet, and journalist—to bring a critical story to light. This recognition underscores a growing international appetite for authentic African narratives that tackle universal, yet often silenced, human experiences.
Deeper Context: The Film’s Journey and Mission
Tears for Enebi is not merely an award-winning film; it is a deliberate act of advocacy. Conceived over a decade ago, its core mission is to confront the pervasive issues of sexual violence, abuse, and gender-based violence. Producer Godspower Oshodin revealed that production was halted twice, a testament to the financial and logistical challenges often faced by independent films with difficult subject matter. “Our resolve never wavered,” Oshodin stated, “because we knew this story had to be told.” This persistence reflects a broader movement within Nollywood and African cinema to use the medium as a tool for social change, moving beyond pure entertainment to spark necessary dialogue.
The film’s collaborative nature is key to its success. Co-produced by Seunmanuel Faleye and directed by a team including Peter Atigogo and Faleye himself, it represents a fusion of creative talents. The cast is led by Rahama Zakareeyah, whose award-winning performance as Enebi provides the film’s emotional anchor. Zakareeyah described the role as “both challenging and rewarding,” dedicating her Best Actress honor to “survivors and to women and girls determined to share their truth.” The film also features notable performances from Seunmanuel Faleye, Aitiya Hensley, a special appearance by Nollywood veteran Foluke Daramola, and a poignant turn by five-year-old Kika Oshodin.
Expanding the Impact: What These Awards Truly Signify
Winning at a competitive festival like the Independent Short Awards in Los Angeles does more than boost a film’s profile. It serves as a powerful validation for the entire production team and for Nigerian storytelling as a whole. It proves that locally rooted stories with global themes—courage, survival, and justice—can resonate profoundly with international audiences and critics. This victory opens doors: the film has now won five international awards and is slated for screening at ten major film festivals in 2026, ensuring its message reaches an ever-wider audience.
The awards specifically for Best Women Short and Best Actress are particularly meaningful. They recognize a narrative centered on a woman’s experience, crafted to “amplify the voices of survivors with courage and hope.” In an industry where such stories can be marginalized, this accolade affirms their importance and artistic value.
Looking Forward: A Catalyst for Dialogue
Produced in collaboration with Solution Media Studios, Mogson Production, M2net, and Purplemat Entertainment, and featuring an original soundtrack by MarkOwi, Tears for Enebi is a polished, multi-faceted work. Its ultimate aim, as stated, is to “inspire dialogue and action towards a safer and more compassionate society.”
This win is a milestone. It demonstrates that perseverance in independent filmmaking can yield both critical acclaim and advance crucial social conversations. As Tears for Enebi continues its festival run, it carries the dual mantle of representing the vibrant potential of Nigerian cinema and serving as a beacon of advocacy for survivors everywhere.
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AG/TAK
Edited by Tosin Kolade
