Filming on Shijiwomi Begins

filming of Shijuwomi, a post-colonial cinematic adaptation of Rasheed Gbadamosi’s book, Behold My Redeemer began on last Sunday, with award-winning theatre/TV/film director and screenwriter, Niji Akanni (Aramotu, Heroes and Zeroes).

The film tells the story of a girl, Shijuwomi, who travels to England to study and attempts suicide, prompting the decision to repatriate her home.

At home, she is moved to an institution where she meets Dr. Ilori, a lecturer in Anthropology who eventually marries her. The marriage does not however provide the desired harmony and succuor as Shijuwomi and Ilori are on a parallel scale in terms of pursuing their interests, forcing her to make another suicidal attempt.

Emotive, intriguing and thrilling, Shijuwomi is a story of love and conflict from start to finish. It is a cerebral metaphor for Nigeria as a nation state and many African countries whose dreams of utopia after independence from colonial powers have all but evaporated, leaving behind hopelessness and frustration.

Cast members include rising female actress, Judith Audu as Shijuwomi, veteran actors, Ayo Lijadu and Bimbo Manuel, and a host of other acting talents, including Femi Adebayo, Olu Okekanye, Tina Mba, Jude Chukwuka etc,.

Akanni has written many award-winning films including Dangerous Twins and Playing Games, Saving Alero and Narrow Path. He has also featured as Director in many Reality TV shows in Nigeria – Amstel Malta Box Office (Season One, 2005), Big Brother Nigeria (2006) and The Apprentice Africa (2008).