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Following 2019’s ‘Life As It Is’ web series, Nigerian model, photographer, and filmmaker Uche Odoh returns with her directorial debut full-length feature film ‘Hell Ride’. The film is set to screen at this year’s Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in November.
The dramedy chronicles a day in the life of a female taxi driver Chimdi Abiodun (Chioma Akpotha), who is overwhelmed by the ill health of her daughter, constantly putting up with her irresponsible husband while playing the role of breadwinner after losing her job at a Chinese company.
Her initial contact with her first client of the day, Akubata Ochinanwata (Enyinna Nwigwe), was ominous. Initially queried for not being professional, the journey morphed into a rollercoaster event that sees both parties enter several verbal altercations. Amid all their differences, they both find a middle ground to become unlikely friends.
“I wanted to show the daily life of a typical Lagosian and how we navigate the challenges that get thrown our way daily,” Odoh elaborated on the film’s plot set in Lagos. “Another message I wanted to pass was one of kindness and bearing in mind that we often don’t know what others are going through. Friendships start most unusually sometimes, this film helps one keep an open mind.”
Released under Propa Studios, an indigenous production company that prioritises relaying authentic Nigerian stories to Africans and global audiences, the former Amstel Malta Box Office contestant revealed ‘Hell Ride’ was the perfect canvas to express her artistic direction in full capacity.
“Assistant directing is not a creative role, however, my past experiences as one helped me navigate through the process of making this film. It helped me to become time conscious as we had to make the most of daytime light. I had to be quick in making certain directing decisions. As a director on this project, I wanted to make a feel-good film that anybody can enjoy and I’d like to believe I delivered on that.”
Being her directorial debut for a feature film, Odoh disclosed she used the film to project the sheer will and sense of responsibility of women, especially those in this part of the world, to take care of their families.
“I love portraying strong women, so casting Chioma Akpotha was an easy choice. Something that inspired the choice of her casting is our relationship from years back. I’ve known Chioma since I was 16 years old so for my first feature film I wanted to work with something familiar. She’s a fantastic actor!”
Odoh continued: “Our biggest challenge at the principal photography was the race against daytime because most of our scenes took place during the day so we needed daylight to film. Funding was another challenge we encountered but that is not peculiar for any filmmaker in Nigeria. We somehow managed to pull together a crew and made it happen with what was available. The car used as the cab was my personal car at the time.”
‘Hell Ride’ also stars Femi Adebayo, Shalewa Ashafa, Keppy Ekpeyong, Bolaji ‘Mr Latin’ Amusan, Adedayo Davies, Yomi King, Ogbolor, and Omotunde ‘Lolo1’ Adebowale-David.
‘Hell Ride’ will be available on streaming platforms after its AFRIFF outing.
The post Uche Odoh’s Directorial Debut Film, ‘Hell Ride’, To Screen At AFRIFF appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.
Source: TheNet
