Ekpebiwo m: A powerful Nigerian film reviving faith, resilience in cinemas nationwide

Ekpebiwo m (I Have Decided), an epic Nigerian film that highlights themes of faith, determination, cultural values, and resilience, has hit cinemas nationwide.

The movie, which draws its inspiration from the Christian hymn “I’ve Decided to Follow Jesus”, inspires contemporary audiences by reviving these timeless values through its compelling narrative and characters.

“Ekpebiwo m” features a diverse cast including seasoned actors like Alex Osifo, Jide Kosoko, Ini Edo, Chidi Mokeme, Mary Uche, Chucks Chyk, Patrick Ifeanyi Onyeochatawrycki, Justice Slik alongside rising stars such as Dr. Ovunde Enyinmo and others, creating a rich blend of talent that enhances its storytelling and nostalgia.

The Director and Producer of the film, Matthews Ajalys, highlighted the cultural narrative of “Ekpebiwo m” during its premiere in Lagos.

He emphasised the film’s focus on blending culture and religion, portraying the positive aspects of the OHA community against negative stereotypes about Africa.

Ajalys noted, “One bad egg doesn’t make an entire continent bad,” underscoring Africa’s potential. The film, presented in Pidgin English, was inspired by his discovery of Pidgin as a language combining elements from colonial languages, which motivated its use in the film.

The film “Ekpebiwo m” explores the dynamics between two communities, OHA and OZARA, highlighting both positive and negative practices and everything in between.

The Executive Producer, Jane John-Nwankwo, describes it as a film that challenges audiences with its production quality, talented cast, and engaging storyline.

She acknowledged the inspiration drawn from the hymn “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus,” which has a poignant backstory involving sacrifice for faith.

The Director of Photography and Co-producer, Fortune Ejim, echoes these sentiments, acknowledging the challenges of producing a faith-based film while expressing confidence in its impact and memorability.

Ekpebiwom promises to deliver a powerful movie experience that blends exceptional performances with a gripping narrative that resonates with teams of spiritual commitment and perseverance.