Ema Edosio-Deelen discusses her new film, “When Nigeria Happens,” exploring the resilience of Nigerian youth. Learn about its themes and challenges

Nigerian filmmaker Ema Edosio-Deelen has unveiled her latest project, “When Nigeria Happens,” a powerful film that delves into the trials and tenacity of young Nigerians navigating a challenging socio-economic landscape. In a recent interview, Edosio-Deelen shared insights into her background, motivations, and the creative process behind this compelling narrative.

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Edosio-Deelen’s journey into filmmaking began after studying Computer Science at Olabisi Onabanjo University. Inspired by the music videos of artists like P-Square and Sonny Nneji, she pursued her passion, working with Hip TV, Clarence Peters, and international news outlets such as the BBC, Bloomberg, and DW.

“I wanted to make my kind of films that feature Nigerians in their homes and their everyday lives,” Edosio-Deelen explained. Her motivation for “When Nigeria Happens” stemmed from a conversation with a security guard, highlighting the daily struggles faced by many Nigerians. The film explores the intersection of survival and the pursuit of dreams, set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s vibrant contemporary dance scene.

“The film has so many layers and it is a film about young people,” she said, emphasizing the importance of preparation and resilience in a challenging system. “Talent is not enough. You really have to be prepared for your future.”

“When Nigeria Happens” follows Fagbo, a talented street dancer whose life is upended when his mother, suffering from Alzheimer’s, goes missing. The film captures the raw energy of Lagos, with scenes filmed in Abule-Egba, Makoko, Obalende, and on Carter Bridge, featuring the city’s dynamic street culture.

The cast, primarily composed of talented dancers discovered through Qudus Onikeku’s dance school, also includes notable actors like Alex Usifo, Jidekene Achufusi, Seun Ajayi, and Ego.

Edosio-Deelen faced numerous challenges during production, including the NLC strike and budget constraints. “Nigeria happened to us, where we were shooting,” she remarked. Despite these obstacles, the film is set for release in July, accompanied by a masterclass and private screenings.

Looking ahead, Edosio-Deelen is already working on her fourth film, “Azaman,” which explores the world of internet fraudsters. This Ema Edosio-Deelen When Nigeria Happens film is highly anticipated.